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THE DOOR WAS PUSHED OPEN 


/ 

A YANKEE GIRL 

IN OLD CALIFORNIA 


a Stovg for ©iris 



MRS. EVELYN RAYMOND 

Author of “ My Lady Barefoot,” etc. 


ILLUSTRATED BY IDA WAUGH 


THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA MCMI 
\- 



THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 
Two Copies Received 

AUG. 5 1901 

Copyright entry 

AlUf, Q HjO* 

CLASS^r XXo. No 

Jtsboo 

COPY B. 


Copyright 1901 by The Penn Publishing Company 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 

I THE SHADOWS OF COMING EVENTS 5 

II AN ASTONISHING ANNOUNCEMENT 24 

III IN A TRAVELING DINING-ROOM 44 

IV AN INCIDENT OF TRAVEL 64 

V SURGEON’S ASSISTANT 80 

VI A STRANGE SECTION MATE 96 

VII THE MIKADO IN A HANDBAG 113 

VIII SANTA ROSA 128 

IX A MOONLIGHT VISITOR 143 

X ALARICO ENTERTAINS 158 

XI A DRIVE AND A WALK 175 

XII A NOVEL RACE 190 

XIII JOY AND GRIEF 204 

XIV A DREARY OUTLOOK 224 

XV WHILE THE RAIN DESCENDED 240 

XVI A LIVELY PIECE OF GOOD NEWS 262 

XVII TH& CLOSE OF AN EVENTFUL DAY 285 

iii 


IV 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 

XVIII THE RETURN 301 

XIX AN EXCITING JOURNEY 316 

XX FAVOR AND DISFAVOR 336 

XXI TO THE RESCUE 356 

XXII THE MINE AT LAST 374 


f 

i 


cA Yankee Girl in Old California 


CHAPTER I 

THE SHADOWS OF COMING EVENTS 

Having finished her note, Miss Comfort Hale 
stepped to the kitchen door of the parsonage 
and called : 

“ Eli ! E-li Johnson ! ” 

The cry elicited no response ; and, after a 
moment’s wait, the lady drew her shoulder-shawl 
up over her head and crossed the graveled 
driveway between the house and the stable. 
Peering in, she again summoned : 

“E-li ! E-l-i ! Mr. John — son !” 

w Ma’am ? ” said a voice so close to Miss Com- 
fort that she jumped. 

“Well, of all things! Didn’t you hear me 
before?” 

“Yes, ma’am,” answered Eli, who scorned a 
falsehood. 


5 


6 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Why didn’t you answer, then ? ” 

“Well, because 1 wasn’t ready then, if you 
want to know the exact why and wherefore.” 

The mistress of the house caught her breath. 
The man’s audacity was almost unbearable ; yet 
— she was the minister’s daughter and it would 
not do to show the indignation she felt. Besides 
that, “ help ” was difficult to secure, in that small 
village, where each man served himself and real 
poverty was unknown. To retain the assistance 
— she would never presume to call it ser- 
vice — of this capable Eli she had to ignore 
much that was unpleasant. She ignored his 
independence at that moment, and replied very 
calmly : 

“ When you have finished your chores I’d like 
to have you carry a letter to Mary Foster, 
Edith’s friend, near the town hall ; and bring 
back an answer.” 

“I guess I know where the Fosters live. I 
was brought up here in Sissmissit, wasn’t I ? ” 

Miss Hale vouchsafed no further speech, but, 
reflecting upon the contrariness of men in gen- 
eral and of Eli Johnson in particular, hurried 
back through the sharp January air into the 
warm kitchen. 


THE SHADOWS OP COMING EVENTS 7 

Left to his own devices, Eli proceeded to kick 
the cat, which had thrust its nose into the pail of 
milk which he had just set down. 

“ Scat ! scat, I say ! Never saw the wa} r 
things go ! Life’s one long burden and I shan’t 
be sorry when the turmile’s over and I’m at rest. 
Go to the village, eh ? Thinks I need directin’ 
on my way, ’s if I was a four-year-old. Silly 
women — silly women.” 

There was nobody to hear Eli’s grumbling 
except Daisy, the cow, and the long-suffering 
Ma’am Puss. Both were well accustomed to it 
and understood its sound if not its sense. Also 
both seemed to realize that while one was being 
corrected it was the other one’s chance to enjoy 
herself ; therefore, since the cat was skurryingout 
of the way, Daisy promptly nosed her hay over 
and out of the manger, in pursuit of a sweeter 
morsel than ordinary. Being a well-trained cow, 
she knew perfectly that this was misbehavior on 
her part and that the rejected food would be 
immediately forked up and thrust back under her 
stall. But Daisy was young and giddy and cared 
not for the future so long as she could enjoy the 
present. 

Still she kept a wary eye upon her master’s 


8 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

movements, which, owing to his trials with his 
mistress, were less methodical and decided than 
usual. He wandered about the great, sweet- 
smelling place, which his absolute neatness 
kept like a parlor ; dusting off the harness that 
was already speckless ; straightening boxes and 
barrels, that even then stood compact and orderly, 
and conducting himself generally like one whose 
thoughts wander from the task his hands are 
doing. To all, there was the steady running 
accompaniment of his grumbling. 

“ Must think I’m made of iron. I’ve been to 
the village once to-day. Why couldn’t she be 
a mite considerate and write all her letters in 
the morning? Just like women. Pshaw! She 
flustered me up, cornin’ over here and yellin’ at 
me that way so’t I forgot to bed Daisy. Hi ! 
Get over, there ! Get over, I say ! ” and he 
thumped the pretty Alderney with the handle 
of his hayfork. 

Daisy, being a creature of spirit, remonstrated 
by switching Eli’s face with her tail, as she 
moved across her stall. But her delicate nostrils 
still sought among her fodder for the tidbit she 
craved, and her brown eyes remained placidly 
innocent. 


THE SHADOWS OF COMING EVENTS 9 

Eli forked and patted tlie straw bedding, still 
lamenting : 

“ I’ll bet my old hat that Maria, too, will have 
some sort of mean job laid by for me now. 
Chopping mince-meat, or cracking shell -barks ; 
— I see she had a pan of ’em set out on the table 
when I went in to warm my feet. She didn’t 
say nothin’, though, not then. She knew 
’twa’n’t the right time. That’s one consolation, 
if Maria is a botherer she’s learned the time£ an’ 
seasons for try in’ it. Sho ! you creatur’ ! If I 
haven’t got to go ’round front now an’ clean up 
that hay you’ve messed. Oh ! dear ! if I wasn’t 
minister’s folks I believe — I’d — say — words ! ” 

But being both a professor and a member of 
the ministerial household, Eli’s most vicious 
expletive was an occasional : “ Zach-a-ri-as ! ” 
This burst from him, presently, as in passing 
along the dim aisle between Daisy’s manger and 
the haymow, he stumbled over Ma’am Puss, 
who had returned to the milk-pail, and, in the 
rapidly increasing dimness of the barn, was un- 
seen by him. 

Just then the stable door again opened and a 
girlish voice came in with the rush of frosty air. 
A bright, uncovered head followed the voice 


10 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

and a burst of laughter echoed Eli’s exclama- 
tion : 

“ Oh ! Eli — Eli ! do I hear or am I dream- 
ing ? Maria says supper is ready and that you’re 
so cross to-day she’s afraid to come herself and 
tell you.” 

“Hmm ! She is, is she ? Well, it’s rather late 
in life for her to be getting scared of her own 
husband, I think. Scared ! If she hasn’t had 
the whip-hand of me ever since we was married, 
I’ll lose my guess. You go right back and tell 
her I say I won’t come till I’m notified. If a 
man ain’t good enough to be called to his vict- 
uals he’s too good to eat ’em.” Whereupon, the 
crabbed old fellow stuck his fork into the mow 
with such force that its handle cracked. 

u Oh ! .Eli, Eli ! Is this the way I’ve brought 
you up ? What’s the matter with my poor 
dear ? ” demanded Edith, laughing and running 
* to throw her arms about the bent shoulders of 
the old man. This familiarity was perfectly 
natural to these two, though to others it might 
have seemed out of place. But Eli boasted 
that the Johnson blood was “ as good as anybody’s 
in Sissmissit and a little better, too,” while his 
position in the pastor’s household was one of 


THE SHADOWS OF COMING EVENTS 11 

equality. He and his wife, Maria, always ate 
at the family table, nor were their voices silent 
during any discussion that might arise there, 
lie had carried Edith in his arms when she was 
a baby and loved her well enough to do so still 
had she desired it. Next to her grandfather, 
the old clergyman, she was dearer to him than 
any human being, and his countenance softened 
visibly under the spell of her caressing touch 
upon his shoulders. 

“Well, it’s a shame, I say. A burnin’ shame 
for a man’s folks to treat him so.” 

u So it is, poor Eli ! Waffles, though ? Waf- 
fles and maple syrup ! Syrup from the West 
Hill farm. Umm.” She smacked her lips, tan- 
talizingly. 

“S’pose I can overlook it for once. Women 
ain’t to blame for being silly as I know of. I 

suppose the Lord made ’em, but ” 

“You don’t see why. Eh? Well, isn’t it 
nice out here ? It’s the dearest, sweetest, clean- 
est barn in all the neighborhood. I know, for 
I’ve been in every one, I reckon. I love it. 
Aunty Comfort says you’re more than fastidi- 
ously neat, you’re fuss-tidious. By the way, 
Eli, do you know what to-morrow will be ? ” 




12 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“Indeed, I do. Don’t suppose I’d forget 
that, do you ? ” 

The old man’s face was now bright and cheer- 
ful ; that is, as nearly so as it ever could become ; 
for while she talked the girl had moved about 
the barn floor, helping give the finishing 
touches to Eli’s chores, and making him un- 
derstand without words that, no matter how 
little others might care for him, she, at least, 
loved him sincerely. 

When nothing more could be done, she 
ordered him to pick up his pail and accompany 
her to the house. He lifted it promptly enough, 
but grumblingly explained that its contents must 
all go into the pig-trough. 

“ Ma’am puss, again ? ” 

“ Yes. The pesky creatur’. I’m going to 
get rid of her before I sleep.” 

“You’re going to do nothing of the kind. 
You wouldn’t hurt a hair of her beautiful coat 
for all the milk Miss Daisy would give this 
winter ! Whew ! Isn’t it cold ! If the snow 
doesn’t come there’ll be lovely skating to-mor- 
row. Fora treat I mean to ask Aunty Comfort 
to let me go for a little while, if she can spare 
me.” 


THE SHADOWS OF COMING EVENTS 13 

The hired man cast a curious glance upon the 
fair face and then turned his own aside rather 
hastily. He suggested that she should “run in ” 
while he locked the stable door and his voice 
was no longer harsh, though it had become a 
trifle husky. 

“Lock the stable door ! Lock the stable 
door? Why, you never did such a thing in 
your life, Eli Johnson. Why should you begin 
it at this late day? ” 

“ You go in, honey. I’d better. There was a 
horse stole, over to Concord, not long ago.” He 
pronounced it “ Cawnco’d.” 

“ Old Derry isn’t worth stealing, even if there 
were anybody round who didn’t -love Grandpa 
too well to do it. Heigho ! 4 1 had a little dog, 
his name was Buff ! I sent him to the corner 
for a ha’porth of snuff ! ’ ” cried the girl, as at 
that instant the house door again opened and a 
homely yellow cur came bounding out toward her. 

Then there was a moment’s frolic between 
Buff and his mistress, to which Eli put an end, 
with the remark : 

“ It won’t pay to play around in this cold, 
bareheaded. You’ll be getting the pneumonia, 
and that’ll give you the consumption and ” 


14 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

Eclith clapped her hands over her ears, laugh- 
ing as she did so, yet obeyed instantly. She 
was a perfectly strong and vigorous girl, but 
the word “ consumption ” had been the bane of 
her short life. She had heard it from kinsfolk 
and neighbors ever since she could remember, 
and had been reminded that her parents had 
both died victims of the scourge ; till there had 
roused and matured within her the fierce deter- 
mination that “ If die I must I never will of 
that hateful disease.” 

As far as she had been permitted she had 
early begun to harden herself against her heredi- 
tary ailment ; and was, probably, the only girl 
in Sissmissit who knew the luxury of a daily 
cold plunge, or the enjoyment of a long walk 
each day, no matter what the weather. 

Rather to silence Eli’s remonstrance than from 
any fear of taking cold she hastily ran indoors 
and thereby disappointed Buff of his evening’s 
fun. 

“ Where’s the milk, Eli ? ” asked Maria, who 
was Miss Comfort’s household assistant. 

u Wliere ’tis about half the time. In the pig 
trough.” 

“ Eli — J ohnson ! again ? ” 


THE SHADOWS OF COMING EVENTS 


15 


“ Yes. Again. I ain’t given to joking, am I ? ” 

Miss Hale protested, sternly : 

“ If you aren’t man enough, or haven’t gump- 
tion enough, to keep a cat out of your milk-pail 
you ought to get rid of the cat.” 

“ I’m goin’ to get rid of her this very night. 
You don’t s’pose I enjoy wastin’ good stuff, do 
you ? ” 

u Here’s Grandpa,” announced Edith, inter- 
posing the minister’s gracious presence between 
these opponents. Then she ran to put his chair 
ready at the table’s head and to stand beside it 
till he should come. 

Indeed, the whole household stood while the 
clergyman uttered the simple grace before meat, 
which was, perhaps, all the more deeply felt be- 
cause of its brevity. Then Maria served the 
waffles and Miss Comfort poured the tea, and 
there ensued the customary household talk over 
the events of the day. But it was noticeable 
that after a brief time the speech flagged and 
the minister relapsed into an abstracted mood, 
unusual to him. His daughter, also, soon left 
the conversation to Edith and Eli, who kept it 
up for a time till, influenced by the example of 
the others, they, too, became silent. 


16 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

But when Mr. Hale absently turned the syrup 
into his teacup and vainly tried to spread lump 
sugar on his waffles, the astonished girl exclaimed : 

“ Why, what has happened ! what’s making 
everybody so serious ? One would think that 
something far more dreadful than my sixteenth 
birthday was coming to-morrow. Any bad 
news from anywhere, Grandfather, dear ? ” 

“ It is no news, child. No, it is nothing new.” 

He glanced across toward Comfort, sitting 
grimly behind her teapot, but she shook her 
head negatively. So the gentle old man shel- 
tered himself afresh in his silence and, much 
sooner than was his habit, rose from the supper- 
table and returned to his study. 

“ Why, Aunty Comfort ! Is Grandpa going to 
write any more to-night ? I didn’t know he was 
especially busy. Shan’t I take my lessons in 
there to study ? ” 

“ No. You’d better stay in the sitting-room — 
I guess.” 

Miss Hale’s u guesses ” were decisions. Her 
niece, picking up her school-books, crossed the 
hall to the lamp-lighted corner near the open 
fire and began her evening’s tasks. 

Buff followed her, of course, and it may have 


THE SHADOWS OF COMING EVENTS 17 

been his playful presence that made application 
so difficult. He seemed possessed by a spirit of 
restlessness and would frequently rise from the 
rug, to poke his cold nose into Edith’s palm, 
beseeching her attention to himself. Then he 
would sit upon his haunches and throw his head 
back, sniffing the air viciously* as when he sus- 
pected an enemy near. 

His behavior was peculiar and distracting, and 
his mistress fancied that he had missed his 
supper ; so led him back to the kitchen, where 
Eli was just tying his woolen tippet over his 
ears, preparatory to his walk village ward. A 
letter Jay upon the table, whose superscription 
he was closely scanning. The envelope was un- 
sealed and the gruff carrier fully intended to 
master its contents before it reached the person 
for whom it was designed. Yet he already 
surmised its message and felt no malice toward 
anybody. He would have been truly amazed if 
his purposed action should have been construed 
as impertinent, and himself considered it but 
part of his burdensome care of the household 
he served. 

As he knotted the tippet and pushed his 
moleskin cap tight over that, he nodded toward 


18 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

the pan of uncracked nuts and inquired, 
testily : 

“Like to have me smash my fingers off at 
them ’ere, I s’pose ? ” 

“ Yes,” meekly replied Maria, carefully polish- 
ing a teacup. 

u Any other little job to tackle when that’s 
done ? ” 

“Well, there are — some raisins to stun ; an’ 
I ’lowed, maybe, you’d like to help slice the 
citron and wash the curr’n’s. The last time, as 
’tis ” 

u Sh-h-h ! ” admonished Eli, jerking his head 
significantly, and she stopped short. There 
stood Edith close beside them, looking with 
unfeigned surprise at the store oi good things 
spread out on the wide shelf. 

“ Why, Maria ! making fruit cake again ? I 
thought you and aunty had finished your year’s 
supply long ago. Before Thanksgiving, indeed. 
What’s on foot?” 

“ I am ! ” answered Eli, with clumsy face- 
tiousness. Then as he passed out he called his 
wife after him and the girl heard them whisper- 
ing loudly together in the entry. 

This was out of common in their simple house- 


THE SHADOWS OF COMING EVENTS 19 

hold, where nobody had any secrets, and it 
puzzled her. But she was not unduly curious ; 
and, having satisfied herself that Buff had had 
a good meal offered him though he declined to 
eat it, she returned to her books. 

Miss Comfort had gone up-stairs to her own 
room and would not be apt to come down again 
till time for evening worship. The complete 
quietude of the place should have helped Edith 
to study, yet a second time she found herself 
unable to do so. Buff still kept close to her, 
lying heavily upon her skirt and frequently 
lifting his head to lick her hand. 

It was a relief when she heard her grand- 
father’s call : 

“ My dear, aren’t you coming to sit with me ? 
It’s very lonely without you.” 

“ I wanted to, but Aunty Comfort seemed to 
think best not.” 

“Did she ? Well, well ! I suppose she fan- 
cied that I — never mind. Come near. Close to 
the fire. I want to talk with you, grandchild.” 

Whenever he said “ grandchild,” Edith knew 
that matter of import was to be discussed ; and 
when he did not at once begin the talk she re 
viewed the events of the past few days and her 


20 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

'own conduct, wondering if in any or what re- 
spect she had failed. For, like all the household, 
she, too, realized that minister’s folks are can- 
dles set on a hill j and, as Eli often lamented . 

“ It’s powerful hard on short-sighted human 
natur’ to keep one’s light a-burnin’ constant.” 

Yet she could recall nothing especially worthy 
of censure, and her grandfather soon sank into 
a profound reverie. She, also, fell to dreaming, 
but her visions were of the happy sort that 
conie to all young folk ; while, judging by the 
inexpressible sadness of his fine countenance 
the old man’s were somber retrospect. 

At last, Buff grew quiet and went to sleep, 
still with his ungainly body curled upon the 
hem of his mistress’s gown. The trio were thus 
motionless as well as silent when Miss Hale 
entered, to place a lamp upon the “ Bible table.” 

The father roused and looked up, half -guiltily : 

“ Why, daughter, is it nine o’clock already ? ” 

“ It has 4 warned ’ to strike the hour,” she an- 
swered, regarding the pair before her critically. 

Then they heard Eli stamping his chilled feet 
in the kitchen beyond ; and presently the whole 
family had arranged themselves in their ordi- 
nary manner for the last worship of the day. 


THE SHADOWS OF COMING EVENTS 21 

That night it seemed to Edith that there was 
a strange atmosphere in the familiar home ; and 
that everybody around her was looking posi- 
tively unhappy. She was more convinced of 
this when, at parting for the night, her grandsire 
laid his hand upon her sunny head and repeated 
the blessing of Moses. After which he put his 
arms about her and stroked her cheek caress- 
ingly. 

“ So, to-'morrow you will be sweet sixteen ! 
You have been a good child, my Edith. Indeed, 
the blessing of the Lord will shine upon you in 
all your wanderings. Good night, good night.” 

Then he took his bedroom candle and went 
quickly away, while Aunt Comfort handed the 
girl hers. She was never a demonstrative 
woman, yet that night she, too, drew her niece 
into a momentary embrace and kissed her 
tenderly. 

“Father is right, dear. You have been far 
more of joy than care to us. I hope your com- 
ing new year may be full of peace and hap- 
piness.” 

Suddenly, a lump rose in the girl’s throat and 
choked her. She glanced hastily through the 
kitchen doorway and saw Maria actually wiping 


22 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

her eyes upon her apron ; while Eli had folded 
his hands behind his back and stood warming 
himself before the fire in an attitude of utter 
dejection. 

“ He looks as if he were going to a funeral ! ” 
thought Edith ; and depressed by the gloom of 
everybody around her, she darted a hasty kiss 
toward her aunt’s cheek and hurried away to 
her own cosy room, wondering, as she went : 

u I would like to know what mystery’s afoot ! 
One w’ould think I were on the eve of departure 
for some unknown land ! yet it’s only another 
birthday that is coming. Is it so solemn to be 
sixteen instead of fifteen-and-ninety-nine-one- 
hundredths ? ” 

Just then Buff, who had been banished to his 
bed in the lean-to, set up a dismal howl, and a 
moment later she heard Eli’s indignant remon- 
strance with the unhappy dog. 

This was so natural and commonplace a sound 
that it promptly restored the girl’s spirits and 
she was soon asleep, and quite unconscious of 
the startling fact that Miss Hale, with her two 
helpers, spent almost all that night toiling in 
the kitchen. 

Ordinarily, ten o’clock saw the last light ex- 


THE SHADOWS OF COMING EVENTS 


23 


tinguished in the parsonage ; but the old. time- 
piece on the shelf struck one before Maria took 
a monster loaf of cake from the oven and re- 
marked : 

“ There ! that’s the last, and it’s morning ! 
Well, well, well, poor innocent! I wonder if 
she’ll ever again taste decent food ! ” 

“ Hush, Maria ! ” retorted Miss Hale, sharply. 
u Get to bed, at once.?’ 


CHAPTER II 


AN ASTONISHING ANN OUN CEMENT 

After lier walk before breakfast, it was 
Edith Hale’s custom to call at the post-office for 
her grandfather’s mail, which was usually in 
excess of that of any other villager except 
Squire Saunders. 

When she appeared before the little window 
among the glass pigeon-holes, on her birthday 
morning, the postmaster greeted her with a 
look of surprise, and the exclamation : 

“ Bless my soul ! I didn’t expect to see you 
here to-day ? ” 

“ Indeed ? Why not ? It’s just grand out-of- 
doors ! The air is full of sparkling crystals and 
the trees are covered with them till they are 
fairly dazzling! I hate to go indoors. The 
skating will be fine and I mean to get up a party 
to go down to the pond this afternoon. May 
Letty join us ? ” 

“Hum! I don’t know. We’re pretty busy, 


AN ASTONISHING ANNOUNCEMENT 25 

these days. But seein’ it’s the last time — I 
guess I’ll strain a point an’ spare her — that 
is ” 

Fearful that the hard taskmaster would with- 
draw his permission, Edith ran through the 
back door of the office and general store, into 
a dingy kitchen where a delicate, stoop-shoul- 
dered girl was washing dishes. 

“ Oh ! Letty ! it’s my birthday, and I’m going 
to celebrate by asking all the girls and boys to 
come and skate with me this afternoon. Your 
father says you may come, too ! Won’t it be 
lovely ? ” 

“ You’re lovely, any way, girlie ! ” returned 
the dish-washer, affectionately, “ and it would be 
fun. Though do you suppose he meant it ? ” 

“ Of course he meant it. Pie said something 
about it’s being the last time, but that doesn’t 
matter until the next time comes. Then we’ll 
hope he’ll be willing again. I do wish he 
didn’t make you work so hard.” 

“ I suppose he thinks it’s his duty. I 
wouldn’t mind so much if I didn’t care about 
an education. Well, I guess I’m not intended 
to have a very good time in this world and I 
must be content.” 


26 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

u Oh ! you dear old dismal ! Why so doubt- 
ful of good ? It’s Deacon Squibbett’s fault 
that you are denied the chance you ought to 
have. His, and — Letty Squib’s herself! So 
there ! ’tis out ! and if it’s treason, why treason it 
is. But, Letty, child, why don’t you spunk up ? 
With your fine mind you’ve a right to an educa- 
tion and I would just demand it. Say that you 
must have it and you’ll get it. Fact.” 

Letty smiled sadly. 

“ You don’t know my father. He loves a 
dollar better than — his own child, I guess. But 
never mind. I’ll get a little pleasure out of to-day 
and let to-morrow take care of its own trouble.” 

“ Exceeding wise young woman. If you’d 
only stick to that principle you’d be as jolly as I 
am. But, Letty, it is true. You’re so afraid 
of your own father that I believe you make 
him more stingy — beg pardon — than he would 
be otherwise. Did you ever tell him you 
wanted a college course ? ” 

“ I should as soon think of jumping off the 
roof ! ” 

Edith tilted her gray Tam sidewise and crit- 
ically regarded a frost-covered shed visible 
through the window. 


AN ASTONISHING ANNOUNCEMENT 


2 1 


“ Well, since tlie roof isn’t high and you’re 
dying for want of out-of-door exercise, I should 
call that an excellent plan. It would set your 
blood circulating faster and warm the cockles 
of your heart. I wonder what heart cockles 
are, anyway. If Shakespeare were alive I’d 
write and ask him.” 

“ Edith Hale ! how you do go on ! you say the 
oddest things, and more of them in a minute 
than I would in a day. How can you be so 
merry, when — even if father is — I should be 
broken-hearted.” 

“ Upon my word ! Are you, too, like the 
rest of the folks, struck riddle-mad ? Last night 
everybody at home talked enigmas, and this 
morning the few I’ve met have done the same. 
What is it all about ? But, never mind. I’m 
off. Grandfather will want his mail and Aunty 
Comfort will look volumes if I’m late to break- 
fast. After that’s over and my work done I’ll 
run around and see the other girls. Y ou speak to 
anybody who comes in about the skating, too, 
will you t Two o’clock, sharp ! Good-by.” 

Edith hurried back into the office and Letty 
watched her go, with a sudden mist blinding her 
blue eyes. 


28 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

u If it’s true, what will my life be without 
her ! ” she exclaimed, in sorrowful foreboding. 

Much richer than with her, had she but known 
it. For as the minister’s grandchild passed once 
more through the store and found its master 
alone, she was inspired to free her mind con- 
cerning the aspirations of her timid schoolmate. 
Going to where the deacon stood, straightening 
a row of tin cans, she laid her hand upon his 
rusty shoulder. 

u Deacon Squibbett, please send Letty to 
college.” 

The request might have been a bomb, explod- 
ing at his feet, he staggered backward so sud- 
denly. 

“ Send — Letty — to — college ! Are you crazy ? ” 

“Not a bit. As sound as a nut. A good 
nut. But you’ll be if you don’t. That girl has 
the finest mind of anybody in Sissmissit, and 
she’ll make the old town famous if you give 
her a chance.” 

“ Why, Edith ! Why — E-dith ! How you 
do talk ! ” 

“ I know it. Always to the point, Grandpa 
says. But I can’t help it. Somehow, I feel as 
if I must show you how it looks to me, just 


AN ASTONISHING ANNOUNCEMENT 


29 


this once. If it does any good I shall be for- 
ever thankful, and if not — why, then it will 
be your fault.” 

The merchant finished his task and returned 
to his place as postmaster behind the pigeon- 
holes. It was against governmental rules for 
Edith Hale to follow him into that sacred 
precinct, but she did, and he did not reprove 
her. He took up a bundle of letters and 
re-sorted them idly, while she waited for him 
to speak. 

“ She ain’t never said anything to me about 
it,” he finally observed. 

“ Of course not. She was too afraid.” 

“ Afraid ! ” he exclaimed, testily. “ Did she 
get you to do it for her ? ” 

“ No, indeed, Deacon Squibbett. She doesn’t 
dream that I would dare do such a thing. But it 
just came into my mind that, maybe, you didn’t 
realize how brilliant a daughter you have. Do 
you know that she has been studying nights, 
and coming whenever she had a chance to 
Grandpa to get his help in her Latin and Greek .? 
Yes, sir, Greek. Greek with a capital G ! ” 

Apparently, for the time being, Edith forgot 
the waiting birthday breakfast and the min- 


30 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

ister’s desire for news ; for she quielly seated 
herself upon a convenient table and resumed 
her argument : 

u I wish you could hear my dear old grand- 
father talk about her knowledge-hungry soul, 
and then see him look at me over his specs. I’m 
not knowledge-hungry at all. I hate a book 
— that has sums in it ; but I do love folks. I 
love Letty as well, I believe, as if she were my 
own sister. I suppose that’s because you and 
papa were such chums when you were boys. 
Don’t you ? ” 

The other looked at her cpiestioningly. But 
there was no sophistry in the frank young face 
opposite him, and Edith had spoken out of the 
full conviction of her great heart. She knew 
that her dead father, whom she had never 
known, but who had always seemed to her as 
a saint, had been raised with Silas Squibbett 
and had loved him truly. She had always 
fancied that the attraction between herself and 
Letty was but a survival of their parents’ 
boyish friendship, since there was as little in 
common between the two girls as there had 
been between the two men — after they became 
such. All the other young people stood in 


AN ASTONISHING ANNOUNCEMENT 31 

awe of the stern, close-fisted deacon, but she 
had never feared him at all. She feared no- 
body, greatly, and now all her interest was 
roused on Letty’s behalf. 

“ Do you know what I’d like for a birthday 
present from you ? For I shall never be just 
sixteen again and I shall be disappointed if I 
don’t have lots of presents to-day. I’ve heard 
somewhere that ministers’ folks always did feel 
as if the world belonged to them and I’m 
ministers’ folks, you know. Well, please give 
me a promise for a present. That you’ll let 
Letty have her wish. It’s unfit for such a girl 
as she to do all the housework, and take in 
mill-work on those old — beg pardon, new — 
overalls and jumpers you sell. It’s like feeding 
Eli’s pigs out of Grandma’s wedding china 
pitcher as I did once. I didn’t break the 
pitcher but I demeaned it, somehow.” 

w Huh ! No daughter of mine is demeaned 
by any honest labor. That mill work you 
sneer at has brought in a pile of money.” 

“ Isn’t that good ! Then Letty has really 
earned her own way. But I must go. I’m a 
great talker, Maria says, yet for once I’ll have 
to follow Grandpa’s sermon rule : ‘ Say a thing 


32 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

and leave it.’ I’ve said the thing and I’ll leave 
it with one more — please ! That’s the end. 
Good-by.” 

She gathered up her bundle of papers and 
the one letter belonging to her and went out so 
hastily that the postmaster could do no more 
than watch her and think how bright and 
bonny she looked. 

How like her father, too ! He remembered 
that very toss of the lad’s head when they had 
used to play hookey and go fishing down in 
the willow pool. Hmm ! Well, well ! So 
Letty was considered brilliant, was she ? The 
girl must be eager for learning, indeed, if 
she’d walk all that mile between home and the 
parsonage, in the dark and after a day of hard 
work, just to pick up a few hints from the 
scholarly old clergyman. He wished he’d had 
a son ; and he thought a woman’s place was in 
her kitchen, keeping house for her folk. 

True enough, he was all the family Letty 
had, and his maiden sister would be glad to 
leave her lonely farm and come into town to 
housekeep for him. He guessed students went 
to college in the fall, not midwinter; and — 
well, he’d think it over and, maybe, talk to 


AN ASTONISHING ANNOUNCEMENT 38 

Letty about it. He wished she’d had spirit 
enough to tackle him regarding the thing, her- 
self; still a wholesome fear of a father was 
scriptural and Edith said that nobody had 
dreamed of her interference. 

“ Gay little Edith. There’ll be a big hole in 
the village afterwards.” 

Meanwhile, the intercessor passed swiftly 
along the snowy path, humming a merry tune 
as she went, until she reached the turn of the 
road by the railway station, whence she must 
ascend to the parsonage, and was hailed by 
the telegraph * operator, who was agent and 
baggage-master all in one. He was reputed to 
be the laziest man in the township and to have 
tumbled into his office by sheer inertia. Years 
before, wdien the railway was built, his shoe- 
shop had been found a convenient halting- 
place. It was therefore transformed into a 
station and an obliging man came over from a 
neighboring hamlet and taught Reuben Hill 
the rudiments of telegraphy. 

This saved Reuben a deal of trouble. He 
was well paid for his land and he didn’t have 
to move. He never did move if he could help 
it, no matter what the exigencies of his official 
3 


34 - A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

position. He now congratulated himself that 
his discovery of Edith’s approach would save 
him a quarter-mile walk to deliver the mes- 
sage which had just come over the line. If he 
had possessed but a trifle more energy he would 
have informed her what the telegram stated, since 
it concerned herself, but there was no need. It 
took all the breath he wished to waste to halloo : 
u E-dith — Ha-a-ale ! ” 

“ Yes. Do you want me ? ” 

He wouldn’t have called her if he hadn’t, but 
why trouble to say all that ? It was easier to 
hold up the yellow envelope, significantly, and 
he did so. 

“ For me ? A telegram ? Why — what can 
it mean ? ” she cried, feeling a bit startled by 
the uncommon circumstance. 

Mr. Hill stooped and put the envelope into 
the mouth of his dog, his frequent and intelli- 
gent messenger, and the animal promptly wad- 
dled along the road and dropped his burden in 
the girl’s path. 

She laughed and lifted it. 

“ Good fellow ! You ought to receive your 
master’s salary instead of himself. All right, 
Mr. Hill, I’ll carry it.” 


AN ASTONISHING ANNOUNCEMENT 35 

He stayed her by a slow wave of his hand. 
Then he shouted : 

“ You can fetch the money down next time 
you come ! ” 

“ Money ? For doing your own work for 
you ? The envelope is marked 4 Paid ’ ; so 
there’s nothing due you, unless you take it to 
the parsonage yourself. Oh ! you funny Mr. 
Hill!” 

But she was already far up the slope as she 
said this and if he heard her he was too indolent 
to resent or retort. 

There was neither indolence nor lack of 
curiosity in Edith’s own manner as she entered 
the breakfast-room, where the family were al- 
ready at the table, and the girl looked hastily 
toward Miss Comfort expecting a reprimand. 

None was forthcoming, however, and all eyes 
were immediately turned upon the telegram she 
carried. 

Yet when Mr. Hale had received and read it, 
he merely passed it onward to his daughter in 
silence ; and his grandchild, as well as Eli and 
Maria, had to bear their disappointed curiosity 
in silence. 

The same depression which had hung over 


36 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

the family, at the previous supper, enwrapped 
them still ; and even the girl’s enthusiastic de- 
scription of her interview with Deacon Squibbett 
elicited little attention. Though the Doctor 
did remark : 

“Well, I don’t know of any person to whom 
a college course will mean so much as to that 
motherless Letty. I hope her father will de- 
cide favorably, and you will have the satisfac- 
tion of knowing that your last act toward your 
playmate was one of greatest kindness.” 

Just then Miss Comfort shook her head again, 
warniugly, and, rising, asked that she might 
speak with her father in his study. 

In desperation at the state of things, Edith 
turned upon Maria for explanation : 

“ Do tell me what it is that makes you all act 
so queer ! Things aren’t a bit natural, and if it 
all comes of being sixteen, I hope I’ll never be 
that again. I mean, of course ” she laughed. 

“You never will be!” returned Eli, as he 
departed stableward. 

“You ain’t looked at your presents yet, girlie, 
an’ there’s a pile of them. They’re all on the 
table, yonder, by the window,” observed Maria. 

“ Oh ! how pretty ! and what an odd selec- 


AN ASTONISHING ANNOUNCEMENT 37 

tion ! A leather hand-bag : for a girl who 
never goes out of Sissmissit. A shawl or rug, 
is it ? A writing tablet, three pairs of gloves, 
handkerchiefs — well, they’re all lovely, and I 
never had so many. But why a satchel, 
Maria ? ” 

That good woman had already escaped from 
questions sure to follow, and it soon occurred to 
the girl that it would be a rudeness further to 
express surprise at her aunt’s selections. 

The day passed swiftly, the afternoon espe- 
cially so ; and when the twilight warned the 
skating party that it was time to think of 
home, Edith was first to lead the way. 

With amazing readiness the entire company 
seconded her motion, nor did they even stop in 
the village at their own homes, as she expected, 
but merrily declared that they would go all the 
way. 

“Why, that’s jolly, of course, but I’m not 
afraid,” said the girl. 

“ Don’t suppose you are ; but can’t we go up 
and pay our respects to the Dominie \ ” de- 
manded Derby Saunders. 

“ I — suppose — so,” she answered, slowly. 
She knew her grandfather’s hospitality. At 


38 


A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 


that hour any visitor to the parsonage would be 
asked to remain for supper, and what would 
Aunt Comfort say if she brought home such a 
company as this ? 

Her schoolmate saw her dilemma, and laughed 
at it. 

“ Don’t you fear, Ma’amselle Sixteen ! we’re 
not intending to intrude our hungry selves upon 
anybody. But we’ll go along, just the same. 
My ! what a lot of times we’ve climbed this old 
hill together. It won’t ever seem the same to 
me again.” 

Was it possible that something like a sigh 
Escaped the lips of mischievous Derby ? Edith 
wouldn’t have believed that but for all the other 
curious things she had observed that fateful 
day ; nor was she greatly surprised that, pres- 
ently, a spirit of seriousness fell over the whole 
group ; nor that the little which was said dur- 
ing that walk home should be of a melancholy 
tone. 

Yet if not surprised, she was indignant; and 
at the parsonage gate she turned and reviewed 
her escort. 

“ I don’t know what’s the matter with all the 
people to-day, but I’ve had enough of gloom. 


AN ASTONISHING ANNOUNCEMENT 39 

Do, all of you, try your utmost to be just jolly 
to-night. I’d like to get a little bit of fun, at 
least, out of this solemn business of having a 
birthday.” 

“ All right, Edith ! we’ll carry on enough, to- 
night, to make you remember us forever ! ” cried 
one laughing girl, whose eyes, somehow, did not 
look as mirthful as her lips. 

Then one part of the mystery was explained. 
For no sooner had Edith opened the front door 
than did she discover how evidently her mates 
had been expected. 

In the long dining-room beyond the hall a 
table glittered with Aunt Comfort’s best china 
and glass, while the candelabra that were used 
only upon festive occasions graced each end of 
the shining damask. Piles of plates and napkins 
denoted that a goodly number of guests were 
looked for; as, also, did the heaped trays of 
sandwiches, bowls of salad, and snowy sugar- 
coated cakes. 

“ Oh ! this is what it all meant, then ! A 
surprise for my birth-night ! Welcome, wel- 
come, everybody, and pardon me because I 
tried to drive you home when you persisted in 
coming ! ” 


40 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

With, that she ran to throw her arms round 
Miss Gomfort’s neck, who received the embrace 
more cordially than might have been expected, 
while Eli, peering in through the kitchen door- 
way, demanded : 

“ How happened it you didn’t guess ? Why, 
I walked all the way to Mary Foster’s last 
night, a purpose to give the word, how we 
wanted the young folks to tea to-night ; an’ she 
must have stepped lively to have notified them 
all.” 

“ Indeed, I did ! and they needed no second 
bidding,” answered Mary. u Isn’t it just too 
sweet of your Aunt Comfort, Edith ! I fancy 
we’ll be jolly enough to suit you, after all ! ” 

And they were. Wraps and skates were 
promptly bestowed in a corner of the wide hall, 
and then the girls followed Edith to her own 
room to make themselves tidy for their feast ; 
while the lads were guided by Eli into the lean- 
to, where they adjusted similar matters by the 
aid of a tin wash-basin and a roller-towel. 

Then the fun began ; and for five hours it 
held full sway ; every member of the house- 
hold joining in, even the old Doctor, who was 
never so glad as when among his boys and girls, 


AN ASTONISHING ANNOUNCEMENT 41 

and who seemed to them to be but another like 
themselves. 

At the end of the evening, however, the mer- 
riment died a sudden and complete death. 
With the stroke of eleven, an hour later than 
most Sissmissit parties dispersed, Letty Squib- 
bett ran to her young hostess and hugging her 
ecstatically, burst into tears. 

“ Oh ! Edith ! It was perfectly splendid of 
you to speak to father and he says I may, and 
I can’t bear it, I can’t bear it, I can’t ! ” 

This enigmatical outburst, hurled at Edith 
without pause or punctuation from the careful 
Letty, seemed a signal for general mourning. 

u Oh ! good-by ! good-by ! You’ll write, 
won’t you ! ” 

u I shall just hate this old town after you’re 
gone ! ” 

“I won’t say it now, I’ll meet you at the 
station. Yes, I will, no matter how early ! ” 

Something clutched the heart of the birthday 
girl and her eyes opened widely. Then an indig- 
nation seized her, that all these others should 
know what evidently closely concerned herself 
before she did. Yet she was too proud to 
demand an explanation in their presence and 


42 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

resolutely controlled herself until the last of 
her friends had passed beyond the wide front 
door and Maria had closed it behind them. 

Then she turned toward her grandfather, 
whose face had lost all its happiness, and who 
silently took her hand and led her across the 
hall into his own study. 

“ Oh ! Grandpa, what is it ? What dreadful 
thing is to happen ? I think it’s horrible, the 
way you’re all treating me. Everybody else 
seems to know ” 

“ Don’t, my darling ! Maybe we have been 
mistaken, but we have followed your parents’ 
directions ” 

“ My parents ! Why, they died years ago.” 

w All the greater reason why we should be 
faithful to our trust. It has seemed right to 
disclose nothing till the end came. It has 
come. To-morrow morning early, very early, 
you will start upon a long journey. To your 
maternal relatives.” 

The old man’s voice broke. The announce- 
ment had been most difficult to make, for he 
was ringing the knell of his own happiness, as 
it were. 

“ My — maternal — relatives ! Why, Grandpa, 


AN ASTONISHING ANNOUNCEMENT 43 

they are away off in Southern California ! 
Three thousand miles from here ! ” 

But Doctor Hale did not answer. He had 
turned away his own sorrowful face that he 
might not see the misery in hers. 


CHAPTER III 


IN A TRAVELING DINING-ROOM 

A furious snowstorm was raging as the local 
train pulled out from Sissmissit station in the 
dawning light of the following morning. 

Like a person in a dream, Edith Hale had 
risen and dressed by candlelight ; had tried to 
eat a portion of the tempting breakfast Maria 
had prepared ; had clung to her grandfather’s 
neck in a half -realized parting ; and now sat 
silently by her aunt’s side upon the dingy red 
cushion of a common railway car. 

For a time she tried to pierce the blinding 
flakes which dashed against the window beside 
her ; but failing to see through them she closed 
her eyes with the intention of just thinking it 
all over. Instead of that she quietly went to 
sleep and Miss Comfort observed this with satis- 
faction. 

“ Poor dear ! It will rest and brighten her 

more than anything. It is such a blessing to 
44 


IN A TRAVELING DINING-ROOM 45 

be young and healthy. Troubles are not lasting, 
then.” 

Indeed, when the girl awoke, she found that 
she had already dozed during all the distance 
between Sissmissit and Boston, and what had 
roused her had been her aunt’s touch upon the 
shoulder, with the words : 

“Wake up now, dear. We have to take 
another train here.” 

They had traveled away from the storm, 
and when they stepped into the pretty parlor 
car of the express for New York the sun was 
shining brilliantly and Edith found herself far 
more cheerful than she considered at all proper, 
under the circumstances. 

The rich and comfortable furnishings of the 
carriage, the composed bearing of the people 
occupying the soft chairs — which bespoke them 
frequent travelers, the novelty of the scenes 
through which they passed, all tended to raise 
spirits which could never be greatly cast down, 
even by heavier trials; and again Miss Hale 
smiled quietly to herself and with an almost 
envious resentment. 

“ It’s the one who stays behind who suffers 
most. Edith is as true a girl as ever lived, but 


46 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

— the new life will take the place of the old, 
and speedily. I’m glad it’s so, of course, yet 
how we shall miss her ! ” 

There was very little talk between them. In 
a few minutes, at the close of the last night’s 
party, the grandfather had explained every- 
thing. The necessity for this journey and its * 
unexpected suddenness, as well as the manner in 
which it was to be made ; and Comfort Hale 
was not the woman to repeat any statements. 

Indeed, it seemed to the inexperienced Edith 
that it wasn’t any time before a second change 
was to be made, and her aunt remarked, as she 
gathered up her belongings : 

“ This is New York. W e must take a carriage 
here and cross to Jersey City, where I expect 
we will meet Second Cousin Frederic.” 

In reality, of course, there had been several 
hours of rapid journeying, and there was now 
noticeable considerable nervousness in Miss 
Hale’s manner. 

“ It’s one thing to sit quietly in an easy chair 
and be carried through unfamiliar places, but 
this is quite another ! ” she ejaculated, as they 
stepped down upon the platform in the great 
station amid the conflicting shouts and direc- 


IN A TRAVELING DINING-ROOM 4:7 

tions, and found themselves borne along amid 
the stream of outgoing passengers, and heard 
the roar of the mighty city beyond. 

“ How horribly confusing it is ! Why don’t 
they keep still just for one minute, then I could 
think ! ” returned Edith, clinging to Miss Com- 
fort’s arm, big girl though she was. 

Then somebody laughed and remarked : 

“ If you wait for New York to keep still, even 
one second, you’ll have a pretty considerable 
spell of waiting ! ” 

The stranger’s comment nettled the elder lady 
and restored something of her composure. In 
her younger days she had not been altogether 
ignorant of the world and she reflected that if 
they were to get across the town and meet the 
afternoon’s outgoing fast express, from another 
monster station, they had no time to lose. 

“ Well, we can’t stand here, gaping about us ! 
We’ll have to make good time, as it is, for that 
delay a few miles back may lose us your western 
train, even without any further hindrance.” 

“ If it did — what would we do ? ” asked Edith, 
anxiously. 

“ Needn’t cross that bridge yet,” returned the 
lady, already dickering with a hackman as to 


48 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

his rates. It would have been contrary to Miss 
Comfort’s thrifty habits to have engaged any 
service, no matter how dire her need, without 
attempting to reduce its cost. Yet even as she 
talked she was handing her parcels to the man 
and pushing Edith into the carriage, to expedite 
matters. 

Then followed what seemed to the imprisoned 
patrons a breakneck ride over the city streets, in 
which hairbreadth escapes from collision with 
other vehicles were momentary happenings ; and 
both fairly caught their breaths when the cab 
rolled briskly forward on to the deck of a ferry- 
boat, just as the latter pushed out into the 
stream. 

But the cold salt breeze which swept up to 
them from the bay was refreshing and the in- 
terval of quiet between shores restored their 
nerves to a partial calmness. So, when the 
further dock was reached and the cabman 
opened the carriage door with the remark : 
“ Here we are, ma’am ! ” Miss Hale was almost 
herself, and settled with him to wait her own 
return as composedly as she would have argued 
with Eli himself. 

It was well for her that she did have this 


IN A TRAVELING DINING-ROOM 


49 


momentary respite ; for upon entering the great 
waiting-room and looking critically around it, 
she missed the familiar face which she had been 
anticipating with perfect security. 

Then she hurried to the ticket office and in- 
quired : 

u Has the through express for Chicago left 
yet ? ” 

u No, madam. Will leave in just ten minutes . 77 

u Ten minutes ! We’re in time-for that, then, 
my girl. And it is likely Frederic will come 
right away. I suppose a minute before would 
be all right, yet he was New England raised and 
he oughtn’t to run such chances . 77 

“ But we have ten whole minutes more, 
Aunty Comfort ! Let’s forget worries and just 
— -just love each other. It will be so long — Oh ! 
aunty, I don’t want to go ! I don’t, I don’t ! I am 
afraid. It didn’t seem so bad last night, when 
we talked it over, but now — this glimpse of the 
world frightens me. There are so many, many 
people, changing all the time. I was never 
afraid of much before, but I’m afraid now. Do 
take me back with you. I’m sure my parents 
wouldn’t mind if they could see how much I 
dread it ! ” 


4 


50 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

The words fairly tumbled over each other in 
her eagerness, but they produced no relenting 
on Miss Hale’s part. The present anxiety lest 
Edith’s promised escort should not arrive out- 
weighed all lesser, or soberer, ones. The girl’s 
ticket had been bought, her sleeper section 
engaged, over one hundred dollars of good 
government money had been put upon this 
venture, and it was quite too late to think of 
withdrawal. 

“No, no, child. That is impossible. He’ll 
come. He must. He wouldn’t disappoint us 
this way, without warning. He was New Eng- 
land raised, I tell you. Just keep your eye on 
that door yonder and I will mine on this side. 
That way we’ll be able to see him the minute he 
appears. You are to wave your handkerchief, 
remember. That was the signal agreed upon.” 

This effectually prevented any useless senti- 
ment upon the young traveler’s part, and it 
maybe, therefore, was a good thing. Though 
she always afterward looked back to those few 
moments wasted in a vain watchfulness with a 
keen regret. 

“ So much may be said in ten minutes, and, 
indeed, I had so much to say ! ” 


IN A TRAVELING DINING-ROOM 51 

Miss Hale held her watch in her hand and 
stole frequent glances toward its old face. She 
could trust that better, she fancied, than the 
great timepiece on the station wall which 
heralded for all beholders the outgoing and 
incoming of the thunderous trains. 

“ All — aboard — Chicago — flyer ! all aboard 
for Chicago and the West ! a-l-l-a-b-o-a-r-d ! ” 
w Your train, darling ! ” 
u But he hasn’t come ! I can’t go alone ! ” 

“ He must have overlooked us. He must be 
on board ! You’ll find him there ! ” 

“ Come with me, aunty ! oh ! come ! ” 

“ As far as I’m allowed, my child — my pre- 
cious Edith ! ” 

In that supreme moment of parting, Comfort 
Hale felt as a mother losing her only child and 
the barriers of her stern self-control all gave way 
in the stress of unwonted emotion which swept 
over her soul. Few who knew her, least of all 
her niece, would have dreamed it possible that 
the minister’s daughter should so yield to her 
grief, but yield she did, and in her amazement 
at the sight Edith herself turned comforter and 
begged : 

“ Don’t, Aunty Comfort, don’t ! you will be 


52 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

ill ! And you’ve all that long way to go back 
alone ! ” 

Neither realized the absurdity of this remark, 
since the girl’s own outward journey was to be 
so much longer than the other’s, and keeping 
her arm about her aunt’s waist Edith led the 
way toward the uniformed officer, beside the 
railed off portion of the station platform beyond 
the waiting-room, and asked his guidance. 

u This way, miss, and you’ve not a moment to 
lose. Here, porter ! ” 

A negro, also in blue and brass, appeared, 
caught up Edith’s various parcels and marched 
off toward a distant car of the great train 
which seemed to the New Englanders to be 
miles long. But at length the “ Tuscarora,” was 
reached, the girl was helped up the steep steps and 
hurried to her section, whence she could glance 
through the closed window toward poor Miss 
Comfort standing without, sad and watchful. 

Neither of them remembered Cousin Frederic 
just then ; and it was as well for their peace 
of mind that they did not ; since at that very 
moment there was reposing upon the desk of 
Reuben Hill a second telegram stating that 
Frederic Stowe’s own departure for the west 


IN A TRAVELING DINING-ROOM 


53 


was indefinitely postponed, but that he had a 
friend who expected to leave New York for 
the same trip and, if his relatives in Sissmissit 
pleased, he would put them in communication 
with this friend, and more to that point. 

Reuben had been a little tired, when the des- 
patch arrived, having already had one for the 
Squire to deliver that day, and — it wasn’t his 
business, any way, to go up to the parsonage and 
unsettle them all again just after they’d got the 
ticket bought — sent clear to Boston for it, too — 
and all. Just like Fred Stowe, anyhow. Never 
did do a thing at the time he said he would and 
I shouldn’t think the minister’s folks would have 
trusted him nohow. 

So the western “flyer” pulled noiselessly 
out of the great station and left Miss Comfort 
weeping on the platform, while the motion was, 
at first, so imperceptible that Edith did not 
know they were moving, until the long lines 
of other cars on other tracks beside their own 
began to roll backward, as it were, and presently 
they came into sight of city streets, of isolated 
dwellings, of the wide open country. 

Then the truth came over her with a rush and 
almost turned her faint. 


54 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 
“ Tickets, please ! ” 

The girl produced tlie long, curious strip and 
handed it up to the conductor who, seeing her 
cpiite alone, looked a brief surprise and went 
onward down the aisle. 

Soon he came back and she ventured to ask 
him, perhaps for the mere comfort of having 
somebody speak to her : 

u What time will we get to Chicago, please ? ” 
“ Six o’clock to-morrow afternoon. If we’re 
on time,” he added, cautiously. 

“ Six o’clock to-morrow night ! That’s thirty 
hours, about ! Oh ! I wish Cousin Frederic 
would come, though I shouldn’t know him if 
he did.” 

A lump rose in Edith’s throat and for fear 
that she should cry she resolutely fixed her at- 
tention upon the strangers around her and on 
the varying landscape visible through the car 
window. She was not crowded for room ; no- 
body, apparently, having taken the other half 
of her section ; so she made herself comfortable 
upon one of the broad seats and disposed her 
satchels, baskets, and bundles upon the empty 
cushions facing her. The baskets contained 
luncheon, put up to last her whole trip across 


IN A TRAVELING DINING-ROOM 55 

the continent, and she felt that the heat of 
the car would probably spoil it. So when the 
smiling porter came swinging down the aisle, 
looking as if he wished to serve her, she spoke 
to him : 

“I wish you’d please put these things in 
some closet or store-room. I sha’n’t want more 
than this little basket and this one bag before 
we get to Chicago.” 

The negro laid his hand upon the breast of 
his spotless duck jacket, which he had already 
substituted for the blue uniform worn at the 
start, and assured her with profound regret, 
that : 

“Would be most happy to oblige you, lady, 
but that is against the rules. We’re not al- 
lowed to put anything in our sto’-room, lady, 
which is for the bedding only, lady. Anything 
else I can do for you ? Or your folks ? When- 
ever you need me just ring and I’ll come.” 

Then he passed on, and Edith wondered : 

“ Where am I to ring, I should like to know ! 
I see no bell.” 

While she was speculating upon this she re- 
called with what hungry eagerness the porter 
had eyed the little purse she held in her hand, 


56 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

and having been prudently trained she decided 
that it would be safer in her pocket, out of 
sight. 

After a time, there was a brief halt of the 
train, and what seemed a deal of sliding and 
backing, with the coupling of more cars, and a 
shout from somebody that this was : “ Philadel- 
phia ! ” 

Most cities of her native land were best 
known to Edith by their historic incidents, and 
she cried out, rising : 

“ Oh ! I wonder if I can see Independence 
Bell. There ! What a silly I am, of course ! ” 
and she sat down again, peering through her 
window at a most disappointing scene of rafters 
and girders and a wide expanse of station roof. 

Then followed an incoming rush of more 
traveling strangers, till the village-bred girl felt 
as if all the world were journeying; and on- 
ward once more they went into the deepening 
night and the open country. 

As the daylight faded the lights of the car 
streamed out, and a negro in white attire came 
shouting through it : 

“ Supper ! First call ! Supper — is — served — 
supper ! ” 


IN A TRAVELING DINING-ROOM 57 

He bawled his announcement directly in 
Edith’s ear and she clapped her hand to it. At 
home, so hurried had been her last prepara- 
tions, there had been very little talk concern- 
ing the details of her journey, even had the 
stay-at-homes been travel- wise enough to instruct 
her. All things had been left to the experi- 
enced Cousin Frederic, and since he had not ap- 
peared she was at a loss how to act. 

But as many of the people in the car rose 
hastily, and leaving their belongings in their 
various sections, passed swiftly toward the rear 
of the train, she decided that they must be go- 
ing to accept the waiter’s invitation. He had 
seemed to include herself so especially that she 
felt it would be rude not to follow the crowd, 
yet she found the long passage backward, 
through car after car of the great train, a rather 
trying matter, and was constantly more im- 
pressed by the sight of such a multitude en 
route for somewhere. 

However, her homesickness was leaving her, 
and her eyes were keen to catch every novelty ; 
and by the time her swaying, uncertain journey 
came to an end in the food-fragrant dining-car 
she realized that she was very hungry, indeed. 


58 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

Here the crowd and rush were worse than 
ever. Apparently every traveler had left home 
unfed, and the struggle for seats seemed to the 
young New r Englander most ill-bred and vulgar. 

“ I’d rather go without my supper than fight 
for it ! ” she murmured, shrinking into a corner 
by the narrow entrance. 

“And so you probably will,” commented a 
voice at her elbow. 

Edith looked up into the face of a gentle, 
smiling old lady, who seemed as amused by the 
spectacle before them as the other was disgusted 
by it. ‘Push’! is the American watchword. 
But are you alone, child ? ” 

“ Yes, madam,” answered Edith, with stately 
precision. 

“ Then, I’ll get my husband to look out for 
you, too. He’s forward securing seats for our- 
selves. Ah ! here he comes. Is there room, 
Hubert ? ” she concluded, addressing the white- 
haired gentleman who wedged his own way back 
to them. 

“Yes. But I had to give a big tip to secure 
them. This system is becoming a perfect out- 
rage. First the company swindle us by their 
rates ; we pay three dollars a night for sleeping 


IN A TRAVELING DINING-ROOM 59 

in a liole in the wall, and the caterers take all 
we have left to furnish us with second-class 
food. But, come on, my dear. I’ve begun my 
annual grumble and will keep it up, I expect, 
till we reach the other side.” 

As he talked they waited for some more 
hungry folk to file past them, into the crowded 
car and out again, with disappointment on their 
faces ; but his glance had rested for a moment 
upon the young girl beside his wife who 
laughed at his ill-temper, remarking : 

u I suppose you will, dear. You always do, 
and I fancy it prevents your getting nervous. 
This young lady says that she is alone, and I 
presume she is as hungry as everybody else. 
Could you find a seat for her, too ? ” 

“ Please don’t trouble, sir,” began Edith, but 
he waved his hand. 

“Don’t mention it. A pleasure, I’m sure. 
The best way, I think, will be for you two to 
take the places already secured and I’ll sit alone 
at some other table.” 

“ Oh ! indeed, madam, I couldn’t allow that. 
I’ll go back. I’m not so very hungry and I 
have a lot of cold lunch, any way. It would 
make me unhappy to inconvenience you.” 


60 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA. 

The lady answered quietly, yet firmly : 

“ Much better he than you, my dear, to be 
alone here. Come. It is all quite right.” 

There was no questioning this gentle, dignified 
decision, and Edith was very grateful for the 
momentary care. So she followed her new 
friend to the very further end of the car, that 
swayed fearfully and made walking even more 
difficult than through the forward ones. 

“ It’s the last on the train, you see ; the tail 
of the kite that catches all the motion, and we’re 
running very rapidly now,” remarked the lady, 
herself sinking rather suddenly into the seat 
which seemed to rise off the floor to meet her. 

Edith bumped into the corner of the little 
table, to the amusement of the pair which oc- 
cupied its further side — a couple of commercial 
travelers, as Mrs. Levering’s experience recog- 
nized them — and they laughed audibly. 

But not for long. Edith was utterly uncon- 
scious of them and of everything save the fear 
that she had jarred against her frail protector, 
while the latter gave the young men one stern 
glance which effectually brought them back to 
the bearing of gentlemen. 

It was all exceedingly interesting and de- 


IN A TRAVELING DINING-ROOM 


61 


liglitful. With intuitive kindness, the old lady 
suggested : 

“ Suppose you let me do the ordering for us 
both. I fancy I can select a meal that will not 
give us a bad night’s rest, for I’m an old trav- 
eler and have learned to be wary of fancy 
dishes.” 

“ Thank you, I wish you would,” responded 
the girl gratefully. 

Once, on a memorable trip to Boston, she had 
dined at a restaurant, but under her Aunt Com- 
fort’s guidance. Even then she had wondered 
at the dexterity of the waiters, though the floor 
they walked was stationary and their room for 
passage ample. Here it w T as like treading a 
rocking boat, and there seemed not an inch 
of wasted space. The white-aproned servitors 
brushed each others’ bodies constantly and their 
loaded trays were held high above their heads 
to escape a destructive collision. Their move- 
ments kept her fascinated, till Mrs. Levering 
touched her elbow and recalled her attention to 
the food before her. 

“ We must eat and give way to the next lot 
of people, my dear,” she remarked ; her eyes 
noting with admiration the regularity of her 


62 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

companion’s features and her beauty of coloring ; 
but she also thought, with astonishment : “ Why 
in the world is so young and inexperienced a 
maiden allowed to go about alone ? yet she looks 
well born and carefully trained and she is almost 
dangerously pretty.” 

Now there had been gradually stealing over 
Edith’s healthy appetite a curious indifference to 
the well prepared dishes ordered for her. A 
moment ago, it seemed, she had been ravenously 
hungry. Now — the things didn’t look very 
nice. There was a suspicion of too much grease 
about the delicately broiled beefsteak, and the 
lemon in her cup of Russian tea was determined 
to jump up and down in a most annoying 
manner. 

She wished the car wouldn’t swing so much. 
If it would keep still just for one moment she’d 
like to try what that queer mixture of clear tea 
and lemon juice tasted like. She was thirsty if 
not any longer hungry ; and — how dizzy she was ! 

Then she realized that she must get out of 
that atmosphere, at once — without the slightest 
delay. She was dimly conscious that not only 
Mrs. Levering but the commercial travelers 
were observing her with critical commiseration, 


IN A TRAVELING DINING-ROOM 


63 


and managing to rise from lier seat she staggered 
into the narrow aisle, brokenly murmuring : 
w Beg pardon, but — I must — be excused ! ” 

It was a vestibuled train, with double plate 
glass windows, from which a too solicitous cor- 
poration had carefully excluded every vestige 
of fresh air ; but Edith looked yearningly to- 
ward the car door, wondering if she could reach 
it before — 

A hand upon her shoulder. A black, obse- 
quious, yet sternly watchful face close to her own. 
u Wait a moment, lady ! ” 

Surprise allayed, for a moment, the distress- 
ing nausea of a car-sickness.” 

“ Well — what ? Quick ! I want to get out ! ” 
“ All right, lady, soon as you’ve paid. Orders 
is orders, and I’m right sorry, I’m sure, but, if 
you please, lady ” 

“ Paid ! what ? ” gasped the miserable girl, 
seized again by that deathlike feeling. 

“ Your supper, lady.” 

“ My supper ! I haven’t touched it, and I 
thought — I — I ” 

Then all things swam together, in her vision ; 
and dishes, tables, strangers and white-coated 
waiters became one indistinguishable jumble. 


CHAPTER IV 


AN INCIDENT OF TRAVEL 

When Edith Hale recovered her sense of 
things about her she was in the dressing-room 
of the sleeper nearest the dining-car, resting 
upon a narrow seat with her head against an 
open window frame. The fresh keen air of the 
January night fanned and refreshed her, while 
above her leaned the sympathetic face of Mrs. 
Levering. 

“ Ah ! my dear. That is good, you are better, 
I see. It was the motion, and you are unaccus- 
tomed to traveling. I know nothing more hor- 
rible, physically, than car-sickness. But, here, 
take this ; it is a specific — as far as anything 
can be. Then we’ll get back to the 4 Tuscarora ’ 
and our own sections and you must go to bed at 
once. That will be the best cure for you, and 
by morning you should be quite acclimated, so 
to speak.” 

Many pitying glances were bestowed upon the 
64 


AN INCIDENT OF TRAVEL 


65 


white-faced girl, whom the old lady so gently 
guided backward, or forward, through the train ; 
and those who had traveled much easily com- 
prehended the cause of her pallor. But it added 
greatly to Edith’s distress, now that she was re- 
covering, to reflect that she had probably spoiled 
her benefactress’ supper for her, and that she 
had also made a scene in the dining-car. 

As she sank into the seat which already looked 
familiar to her, she begged earnestly : 

“ Please, please, go back and finish your meal. 
I am so sorry I was ill. And that man ! I 
didn’t know about paying — I supposed it was 
all ” 

“ All in the bill, eh? Well, it ought to be, 
but it isn’t. There is nothing in the bill that 
can be kept out of it. The company delight 
in extras; but it’s an outrage, and a swindle 

and ” grumbled Mr. Levering, who had 

followed his wife and was now looking over her 
shoulder, with eyes that twinkled mirthfully 
and lips that pouted like an angry child’s. 

“ Come, come, Hubert. That’s enough. You 
go back and finish your supper. Send a waiter 
in with my tea and a bit of toast. I think — your 
name, my dear? Edith ? I think Edith would 


66 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

be wiser to abstain altogether until morning. 
Then she will be able to laugh at her to-night’s 
misery. I am glad our stateroom is large enough 
for three. If you should feel very badly, my 
dear, you may share that.” 

Then the lady touched an electric button in 
the side of the car, and the porter, who was 
busy making up a berth at the other end of the 
sleeper, looked and nodded his head; though 
there was no disrespect in the motion. 

“That means he’ll come to us next. It’s a 
busy hour, always, for the porter. Everybody 
demands his service at the same moment ; but * 
all in good time, and I know it’s the rule to 
attend to any sick people first. Come across 
the aisle, if you can, and we’ll sit in this empty 
place, while he fixes your bed.” 

Ill as she was, Edith watched with interest 
the deftness with which the porter accomplished 
his task, and thought how comfortable the trans- 
formed seats appeared. But she wondered why 
he also let down the hanging shelf above and 
made up another bed directly over her own. 
Who was going to occupy it ? and how narrow 
the space between the berths ! 

Again Mr. Levering, who seemed always to 


AN INCIDENT OF TRAVEL 67 

appear just in time to voice her unspoken ques- 
tions, loomed up in the aisle beside them and 
demanded, fiercely : 

“ That upper berth taken ? ” 

“ No, sir. Not this trip out.” 

“ Why are you making it up ? Don’t you 
see that this young lady is ailing and needs all 
the air she can get ? ” 

“ Yes, sir. ’Spect she do. But the Company’s 
rule, sir. Mus’ make up every berth in the car, 
whuther they’s takened or not. Has to ’bey 
orders, sir.” 

The gentleman thrust his hand into his pocket 
and drew it out again, suggestively exposing its 
plump palm to the porter’s gaze. A seraphic 
smile spread over the ebon countenance and 
with the remark : 

“ I ’spect I might consult the conductor about 
it, sir, just seein’ the young lady — er ” 

“ Exactly. Consult as promptly as you can ; 
and after everybody else is through with you, 
take a hand at our stateroom, will you ? ” 

“I’se done done that a’ready, sir. I most 
gen’ally does fix the stateroom first.” 

He did not add that he did so because the 
occupant of it, for the time being, was commonly 


68 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

a person whose purse was ample, since its cost 
rendered such a state of things a necessity. 

But Edith was too ignorant of traveling 
usages to understand this little by-play ; though 
in the innocent generosity of her own heart she 
would have found nothing surprising in the fact 
that two strangers, such as the Leverings, should 
interest themselves on her behalf to such a 
degree. 

She realized little beyond the fact that, all at 
once, she was inexpressibly weary ; and that she 
longed for nothing save to creep behind the cur- 
tains of her section and lie down upon that neatly 
made bed. For the porter had soon returned 
from his supposed parley with his superior, the 
conductor, and had swung the upper berth back 
into place against the ceiling, so that the young 
traveler had, if she had known it, far greater 
luxury of space and air than fell to the lot of 
the other occupants of the sleeper. 

“ Now, my dear, just lie down and sleep. I’ll 
look in at you once or twice before I settle for 
the night, and if you need anything don’t hesi- 
tate to press the button and summon the porter. 
He’ll speak to me for you, too, if you wish. 
Good night. You’ll be all right in the morning.” 


AN INCIDENT OP TRAVEL 


G9 


With a cheery smile, Mrs. Levering helped 
her young neighbor to her berth and when the 
bright head had sunk upon the pillow, bent 
down and lightly touched the pale cheek with 
her motherly lips. 

“ Oh ! how good you are to me ! You must 
have lots of daughters of your own to have 
learned just how to comfort other girls so well ! ” 

“ Never had a daughter in all my life, so I get 
what good I can out of caring for other peo- 
ple’s,” answered this Good Samaritan, blithely, 
as she dropped the curtains behind her and shut 
the tired New Englander into a tiny world of 
her own. 

“ I don’t believe I’ll sleep a single wink ! I 
don’t suppose I really ought, for what if some- 
thing happened ! Eli said he wouldn’t dare to 
shut an eyelash on board a sleeping car, ’cause 
if he was to be hurled into Eternity so sudden, 
he’d like to be hurled with his eyes open ! Poor 
Eli ! dear, dear home folks — I wonder what 
they are doing — is grandfather alone in his 
study — is ” 

Visions of familiar things mingled with the 
rumble of the train and the occasional shriek of 
the whistle, as the engine dashed through some 


70 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

unimportant town without stopping; and this 
she fancied was Buff barking at a neighbor’s dog. 
She must go out and call the rascal in, after a 
minute, when she could get herself aroused. 

But it wasn’t her pet which waked her ; it 
was the sun shining through the window whose 
curtain she had forgotten to close. 

For a few minutes longer she lay still collect- 
ing herself and listening to the odd sounds all 
around her in the sleeper. 

From somewhere a woman’s voice, querulous 
and exacting, was calling for the porter and 
berating that long-suffering creature because 
she hadn’t slept a wink all night. From 
another point came the sonorous tones of a mas- 
culine snore ; there was cheerful talk and laugh- 
ter from those who had rested well, and a con- 
stant brushing by her section curtain of persons 
passing to and from the little lavatories at either 
end of the sleeper, which did general service as 
dressing-rooms for all its occupants. 

Then Mrs. Levering’s voice : 

“ Miss Edith ! are you awake ? are you quite 
well this morning ? ” 

“Yes, thank you. Awake and feeling splen- 
didly. I didn’t mean to go to sleep at all, but I 


AN INCIDENT OF TRAVEL 


n 


must have done so as soon as I lay down. Shall 
I get up now ? ” 

“ I think so. The dressing-room happens to 
be empty just at this time and there’s no telling 
how long it may be. So it’s your opportunity.” 

Half an hour later, looking as fresh and 
bright as if homesickness or car-sickness were 
things unknown, Edith returned to her section to 
find it already in order for the day’s occupancy • 
and her kind friend sitting upon one of its 
cushions, herself also spotlessly trim and dainty. 

“ I see, my dear, that you too have learned 
the secret of keeping tidy while traveling, and 
that is to wear the plainest, least dust-attract- 
ing attire. Yet I wonder how, since you say 
you’ve been about so little.” 

“Not any ‘ how,’ I guess. Just happened 
that my ordinary clothing suited the case. All 
my things are made the plainest way. Aunty 
Comfort hates frills and fol-de-rol. So it’s her 
good sense has served me. Did you rest well ? 
And will you tell me what I should do about 
my breakfast ? I — I am ashamed when I think 
of my blunder last night ; yet auntie told me 
decidedly that I was to get a cup of hot milk 
or even coffee this morning.” 


72 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

Thereupon Mrs. Levering imparted much 
needful information, and added the comforting 
Avords : 

“ Don’t think of that incident again. It Avas 
a perfectly natural mistake under the circum- 
stances. My husband attended to the matter and 
Avill look after you as long as Ave are together. 
Then you can repay us, at your leisure.” 

“ Thank you so much. But I feel ashamed 
to face those people again, Avho saAV me blunder 
so.” 

“ Nonsense, child. If they remember you at 
all it will be with simple pity for your mis- 
chance, but more likely they Avill have forgot- 
ten the circumstance altogether. No individual 
is of much account among such a multitude of 
strangers as are on this train with us.” 

“ But you were a stranger, too ! Yet you are 
caring for me as if I belonged to you.” 

w Oh ! well. That’s nothing. I like it. Come. 
There’s Hubert beckoning to us. We shall find 
the dining-car a pleasanter place this morning, 
because it will be less crowded. There are 
many still asleep in their sections in this sleeper 
and there are seA^eral sleepers beside ours. All 
right ? Beady ? Don’t leave any valuables in 


AN INCIDENT OF TRAVEL ^3 

your berth. It is unsafe, for one never knows 
who may prove dishonest.” 

“ All my . little valuables are in here,” laughed 
Edith, shaking her small purse lightly ; u except 
my long ticket, and that is in a pocket of my 
jacket.” 

Breakfast was well served and enjoyed by 
all the party, who had a place to themselves, 
whereat Mr. Levering read his newspaper and 
sipped his coffee as composedly as if he were 
at his own table in the home he had left. But 
he glanced now and then across its top toward 
the dark-eyed girl, with the yellow curling hair, 
and wondered how it came about that she should 
be traveling alone and with a ticket covering 
the distance clear to the Pacific slope.. He 
hoped his wife would find out, and give her 
plenty of good advice. Then he demanded : 

u How does it seem to be whirling along at 
this breakneck speed and tackling tough mutton 
chops at the same moment? We’re used to it, 
Penelope and I ; for this will be our eleventh 
winter in California, and our twenty-first journey 
overland. If we live to finish it ! ” he conclud- 
ed, cheerfully. 

u Oh, oh ! Is it possible ! Then I don’t 


74 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

wonder you’ve learned liow to do it. But what 
would Eli say ! 4 Zach-a-rias,’ in capital letters, I 

guess.” 

u I must get you to tell me about 4 Eli,’ and 
4 Aunty Comfort’ and all your home friends after 
breakfast. My stateroom is very pleasant - and 
I invite you to make me a little visit. We shall 
have nearly all day together, and possibly ” 

But the lady did not finish her sentence. It 
had occurred to her that they might, possibly, 
have much longer than this one day, yet she 
did not wish to raise false hopes on Edith’s part, 
and she left her abrupt remark unexplained. 

Soon after that they were settled alone in the 
sunshiny stateroom at the end of the 44 Tuscarora,” 
Mr. Levering having betaken himself to a chat 
with some gentlemen in another compartment, 
and taking out her knitting-work, Mrs. Levering 
leaned back among her cushions and suggested : 

44 Your story, my dear. I feel as if I knew 
you well enough already to make that request 
seem natural and not idly curious.” 

44 Indeed, I am only too glad to tell — the 
very, very little that there is. I am Edith 
Hale, born and brought up in the New Hamp- 
shire village of Sissmissit, whose minister my 


AN INCIDENT OF TRAVEL 75 

grandfather has been for forty years. I have 
always lived at the parsonage with him and 
Aunt Comfort, his daughter. Besides us three 
were Eli and Maria Johnson, Sissmissit folks, 
who’ve lived with grandpa almost as long as 
he’s been there. The neighbors say that they 
two are more our folks, than we are ourselves ; 
but it seems silly to talk of such humdrums. 
I’m afraid I’ll tire you.” 

“ Should you be tired of hearing about us ? ” 

“ Why, no, indeed ! I should be simply de- 
lighted.” 

“ Gro on, then ; and I’ll even up afterward.” 

“ All right. It’s good to find somebody I 
can speak to about home. It takes away part 
of that exiled sort of feeling ; or as it seemed 
at times, yesterday, as if the old life that has 
been all my sixteen years were unreal and the 
only real part was this dreary traveling alone. 
That was before you were so kind to me. 

“ Well, besides Aunt Comfort, grandfather 
had one son, my father. He developed con- 
sumption when he grew up and went to Southern 
California to be cured. He did get well, or 
thought he had, and he married my mother 
there. She was a Californian, a descendant of 


76 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

one of the old, old families. I believe it had 
once been rich but was no longer so. He took 
her home to Sissmissit, and they both died 
within the next two years. They left me to 
grandpa to bring up, and I never dreamed but 
that I was to stay there always. Yet I was 
not. It was my father’s will, and, I presume, my 
mother’s, too, for she signed the paper they 
showed me, that I was to be trained in real New 
England fashion until I was sixteen — that was 
for father’s sake ; and when I was sixteen, for 
my mother’s, I was to go to her people in Cali- 
fornia. I was to be told nothing of all this 
until the time came, lest it should unsettle me 
and interfere with my studying. They needn’t 
have worried, though ! I didn’t care for the 
study, anyway.” 

“ But how came they to send you alone ? And 
do your Californian relatives expect you ? ” 

“ I believe they do. Grandfather wrote, as 
soon as it was decided when I was to go. But 
that part was very sudden, it seems. They had 
meant to wait till spring, or till a good chance 
came of my having company. New England 
folks do, sometimes, go so far away from home 
and they hoped to hear of somebody. Then, 


AN INCIDENT OF TRAVEL 


77 


all in a minute, Aunt Comfort had a letter from 
Second Cousin Frederic Stowe, saying he was 
going across the country and he’d remembered 
about David’s girl and would look after her if 
they liked. Then came a telegram that he would 
leave earlier than he expected ; so, at the last, 
everything was in a terrible rush. We started 
yesterday morning before daylight, with the 
ticket that had been bought and sent to us by a 
Boston friend, and we thought we’d meet Cousin 
Frederic in the Jersey City station. He didn’t 
come though, and so much money had been 
spent for it, I had to use my ticket and come 
alone and do the best I could. I think Aunty 
Comfort still hoped, when she left me, that her 
cousin would appear somewhere or other upon 
the route. I hope he will, too, but I’ve given 
up expecting it, we’re so far along. So — that’s 
all. And I’m so glad I met you and that you 
were kind to me. But I do dread the change 
at Chicago. After that, aunty said that she 
believed I had nothing to do save sit still until 
I reached San Diego.” 

“ Well, well ! That is, indeed, an experience. 
Have you been much away from Sissmissit ? ” 

“ Never anywhere, except once to Boston.” 


78 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Then you should enjoy this journey 
famously. And you’ll get on all right. The 
world is full of kindly hearts, and one has but 
to show oneself also kindly to make plenty of 
friends. I think we may be able to help you 
make the change you dread, and I had hoped we 
might be going all the way together. But it 
seems not. Hubert will strike north for San 
Francisco, and later for Pasadena. He com- 
bines a little business with his holiday ; and 
now it is right you should hear about us, too ; 
for mutual confidences beget good feeling. We 
are only a childless, well-to-do old couple with 
plenty of aches and pains now and then. Our 
home is in New York, but we don’t like the 
winters there. So, after the holidays, we cross 
the continent to California, and stay till April. 
Then home, a few weeks’ rest, and off again 
to some seaside or mountain resort. Regular 
Americans, you see, whose home is a convenient 
spot in which to pack and unpack trunks. But 
now, my dear, I’m going to write some postal 
cards, to friends behind ; and if you like to do 
the same I’ll get them mailed for you along 
with mine.” 

Edith did wish to write, and thoughtful Miss 


AN INCIDENT OF TRAVEL 


79 


Comfort had provided several ready addressed 
cards for use along the journey ; and as she saw 
Mr. Levering coming down the aisle to his own 
stateroom she took her friend’s remark as a po- 
lite dismissal and retired to her own section. 
But she had scarcely taken out her pencil before 
there came a sudden shock and jar that threw 
her from her seat forward upon her face, then 
a deafening crash and a chorus of shrieks and 
cries from everybody about her. 

“ A collision ! A collision ! ” 

With that terrifying shout in her ears poor 
Edith buried her face still further in the 
cushion, believing her end had come. 


CHAPTER V 


surgeon’s assistant 

Sick with horror, Edith waited — to die. 
Then she began to realize that she was not suf- 
fering at all, save from her fright, and ventured 
to lift her head. 

All around her people were hurrying out of 
the ear, their white faces gradually growing 
calmer, as they found that after the dreadful 
crash the train came to a standstill, and that, 
in the “Tuscarora” at least, there was nothing 
worse than dislodged luggage and badly shaken 
passengers. 

Then she heard a voice calling, anxiously : 
u Edith ! Edith ! Porter ! Somebody — help ! ” 
She recognized the cry as Mrs. Levering’s, and 
hardly daring to look toward the stateroom 
answered : 

w Yes ! I’m all right ! Are you hurt ? ” 
w Come quickly ! — come — come ! ” 

Leaving her scattered belongings wherever 
80 


surgeon’s assistant 


81 


they had fallen the girl bounded forward, but 
she quite expected at each step that the floor 
would give way under her feet. It did not 
seem possible that any car could sustain such a 
shock and remain intact. But, save the dis- 
placed furnishings, there had been no injury, 
and she climbed safely over these obstructions 
to the cosy compartment at the end. 

Mrs. Levering was on her knees beside her 
husband who had been thrown heavily to the 
floor and who lay with his eyes closed and ap- 
parently unconscious. 

“ Oh ! what has happened ? ” 

“ He was standing when the blow came. I 
can’t lift him ! Get me help — please, please ! 
Hubert ! Hubert ! Speak to me ! ” 

Edith’s well-trained muscles stood her in 
good stead. She cast a hasty glance about, but 
by then the sleeper was quite deserted, save by 
they three. 

“ Wait ! Don’t struggle so. If you’ll move 
aside I can do it ! Please ! ” 

“You? You can’t, yet he mustn’t lie there. 
His arm is doubled just backward — broken, I 
fear, but it’s his head — Oh ! my dear, God bless 
you ! ” 


82 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

Even the girl herself did not know just how 
she accomplished it, yet the strength was given 
her, and the self-improvised gymnasium in one 
corner of Eli’s barn bore fruit at that critical 
season. In a moment more she had pushed and 
lifted the helpless man upon the wide lounge 
and had begun to loosen his necktie and collar. 
The concussion had broken the window and 
through the aperture streamed a reviving breeze. 
Also, in their high school at home, there had 
been a class in w First Aids to the Injured,” and its 
lessons had been much more to Edith’s taste than 
the pages of her geometry or Latin grammar. 

She recalled them all now and, finding her so 
capable, the anxious wife gave way in the narrow 
space and left the few ministrations possible to 
the girlish hands. Even then there flashed 
through her mind a thankful memory of the 
slight service she had herself been able to per- 
form, on the night before, to the helpless stranger 
who was now so efficiently helping her. 

a What a confirmation of the creed of c Lend 
a hand ’ ! ” she thought ; and aloud exclaimed ; 
“ He is opening his eyes ! He isn’t dead — he 
isn’t ! ” 

Mr. Levering regarded his wife with a puzzled 


SURGEON'S ASSISTANT 


83 


air and then blinked away the water which 
Edith was so generously applying to his temples, 
and, incidentally, splashing over all his features. 
Then he yawned and shivered slightly, and fi- 
nally gained strength to ask : 

u Why — what is it ? Penelope 

u Oh ! you old darling ! I thought you would 
never speak to me again ! ” sobbed the gray- 
haired wife, pushing Edith aside and bending 
over her husband in anxious tenderness. 
“What?” 

“ A collision, I guess. But this car is still 

sound. The jar threw you down and ” 

w Ugh ! ouch ! broke my arm, I reckon ! ” he 
groaned, trying to lift the useless member, and 
finding it behave quite contrary to custom. 
“ Hmm ! Well, better my arm than my neck or 
even my legs. They’re all right, aren’t they ? 
Feel of them and see. Either of you hurt? 
Eh ? No ? Then we have great cause for 
thankfulness.” 

The color that had returned to the jovial 
countenance for a moment again gave place to a 
deadly pallor and again the sufferer lost his 
senses. The blow upon his head, as his wife 
had feared, had been but little short of fatal. 


84 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Oh ! for a doctor ! There should be plenty 
on the train. There always are, or have been,” 
wailed Mrs. Levering, completely unnerved by 
the suffering of her husband, upon whom all 
the affection of her childless life was cen- 
tered. 

“ If there is one, I’ll find him ! ” cried Edith 
and hurried out of the car. 

All. thought of herself and her inexperience 
was forgotten, and she ran to the crowd for- 
ward, imploring : 

a A doctor ! Is there a doctor here ? ” 

“ Anybody hurt ? Eh ? Where ? Way 
back in that sleeper ? Why, we were just con- 
gratulating ourselves on a smash-up without 
any injuries ! ” 

It was the sleeping-car conductor who first 
responded to her appeal, recognizing in the girl 
a passenger under his especial care, and he 
promptly aided her search for a surgeon. For- 
tunately one was, or had been, on board, and 
he was soon discovered by the official. To- 
gether the three hastened back to the “ Tusca- 
rora,” and the conductor explained to Mrs. 
Levering while the physician examined her 
husband’s injuries : 


surgeon’s assistant 


85 


“Freight train on the wrong track. The 
usual blunder of some incompetent, and a bless- 
ing no lives lost. A general scare of the for- 
ward passengers, worse than these here, and 
some fainting. But nothing serious — marvelous 
escape — sorry about this case. Going all the 
way across, weren’t you? Thought I heard 
the old gentleman say so. Eh, doctor ? Arm 
broken, head contused, and — what ? a rib, too ! 
Bad job, that.” 

“ Can you help him, sir ? Oh ! can you ? ” 
pleaded Mrs. Levering. 

“To a degree. It would be much better 
done when you reach Chicago.” 

“ But that’s hours away. Even if we go on 
again at once.” 

The surgeon turned to the conductor : 

“ It’s a lucky thing I’m placed just as I am. 
On my way home from a convention of sur- 
geons in New York, with a bag full of fresh 
appliances. While they’re fixing up damages 
ahead can you have this car switched off for a 
few minutes ? ” ~ 

“ Yes.” 

“ All right. Do it. Send me a man of 
sense, that knows how to use his hands — or 


80 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

stay — Who has managed this case so far ? ” he 
finished, turning to Mrs. Levering. 

She pointed to Edith, and the surgeon 
smiled. 

“ Good enough. She can help me with the 
arm, and the rib I’ll tackle later, when you find 
the man. I’ll go for my valise and then, 
madam, you’d better take a bit of medicine and 
step outside while I make your husband as 
comfortable as I can here.” 

Edith Hale had never seen anybody work as 
this unknown surgeon did, and she had never 
been so thankful for the little knowledge she 
had gained from her “Aid” studies. Under 
his directions she rapidly prepared bandages 
from the sheets brought her, and despite the 
crowded space, and the general confusion out- 
side the stateroom, both Mr. Levering’s injuries 
had been attended to long before the broken 
train had been cleared of its debris and was 
ready to resume its way. 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Levering had secured 
plenty of help for herself in the matter of 
telegraphing ahead for a room in a hospital, 
countermanding previous orders, and so on. 
Nor did she forget Edith’s affairs in the stress 


surgeon’s assistant 


87 


of hey own misfortune ; and when the journey 
had been for some time quietly resumed she 
spoke to the girl and explained what she had 
done. 

“ You will probably miss your train at Chi- 
cago, on account of this delay, but I have wired 
to secure you a section in the next outgoing 
one. The conductor tells me that there will be 
no extra expense, owing to our unfortunate 
accident ; and I have also sent a despatch home 
to your people. I feared they would read of 
the collision and be unduly frightened. At 
Chicago I will have a trusty railway employee 
go with you to your new T car and see you com- 
fortably settled. After that, as your aunt said, 
all you have to do is to stay in your place and 
get all the comfort from your trip that you can. 
Just think, my dear, that during your long ride 
from ocean to ocean you will have crossed fifteen 
states and territories ! Isn’t that a wonderful 
experience for a village-bred girl ? ” 

“ Yes ! But not so wonderful to me as that 
you should think so far ahead for me, a stranger, 
and in the midst of all your worry stop to take 
such care of me.” 

“My child, you have helped us, too, very, 


88 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

very much. I shall not forget that. Oh ! if 
we were only at our journey’s end ! ” 

“ But, Mrs. Levering, I hate to bother you, yet 
I can’t let it pass. The money you’ve spent for 
me, in the telegraphing, and my meals, and pay- 
ing the porter about the upper berth, and all. 
If I return it now, while Mr. Levering is asleep, 
won’t it disturb you less ? ” 

“ But, Edith, I’d rather you did not mention 
it. Just accept it as a trifling service Hubert 
and I were glad to render. As you were glad 
to serve us.” 

A flush rose on the girl’s cheek. Miss Com- 
fort had strict ideas of business matters and 
dollars represented their full value in the Siss- 
missit atmosphere. The niece would have to 
account to the home folk for all her expendi- 
tures and she felt that it would be difficult to 
explain matters to their satisfaction. 

“ If Aunty Comfort were here and could see, 
she would understand. But I’m afraid she’ll 
be angry with me for letting you. She’s very 
proud and correct.” 

Mrs. Levering had observed a slight move- 
ment in the stateroom, where the surgeon now 
sat with liis patient, and she was anxious to go 


surgeon’s assistant 89 

back to her post. The matter seemed very 
trivial to her, in comparison, and she answered 
a trifle impatiently : 

“ Oh ! well. If you are particular. The 
meals were just a dollar each ; and Hubert had 
ordered our dinners ahead. That will be three ; 
and the telegrams each way— hum. Probably 
as many more. They are long distances and 
even operators take advantage of mischance to 
make an extra fee. How Hubert would grum- 
ble about that, if he were able ! But call it five 
dollars. That’s near enough to satisfy your 
aunt, I presume. And one last morsel of advice 
before I forget it. If you have a bit of time, 
after you’ve gone from one station to the other, 
at Chicago, I’d get a bill changed into small 
money if I were you. Or maybe I can find 
enough for you among my husband’s. We 
always carry a lot of small pieces ; for one has 
to do a great deal of feeing or tipping during 
the lopg journey, and it’s convenient to have 
the change. It seems an imposition, but in 
your case, a young girl absolutely alone, it 
will be wise for you to make a fast friend of the 
porter. There’s nothing will do that so surely 
as dimes and quarters judiciously expended.” 


90 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

The lady rose as she spoke and with her eyes 
fixed upon her stateroom door did not observe 
the consternation in the countenance of her 
companion. 

Edith had done some rapid thinking and a 
sum in mental arithmetic that would have de- 
lighted her late instructor by its promptness; 
and though she mechanically took from her 
scantily filled purse a crisp five-dollar bill and 
thrust it into the indifferent palm of Mrs. Lev- 
ering, her heart sank with dismay. 

“ Five whole dollars in one single day ! And 
Aunty thought that this amount would be 
ample for my whole week’s trip ! That is for 
my food, and she little dreamed there’d be any 
other expense. With all the luncheon she put 
up for me she thought I would be extravagant 
if I spent even so much. Why, all I have in 
the world, above my ticket, is twenty-five dollars 
— or, indeed, but twenty, now ! Oh ! this is 
dreadful, dreadful ! ” thought the astonished girl. 

But Mrs. Levering had passed forward to her 
disabled husband and Edith could not have 
spoken of her trouble to that good friend, even 
under happier circumstances. There was noth- 
ing for it but to bear the blow in silence ; and after 


surgeon’s assistant 


91 


awhile things began to right themselves in the 
young traveler’s mind and to assume their just 
proportions. 

“Well, it can’t be helped. I suppose Aunt 
Comfort did not know how expensive traveling 
really is ; and that Mrs. Levering has so much 
money she doesn’t care. After all, the great 
thing is to be thankful I was not killed ; and 
the dear old lady has surely taken a deal of 
trouble to arrange everything for my comfort 
and safety. If I’d made blunders in Chicago — 
and I never should have thought about that 
changing my section or train — it would have 
cost much more, probably. It might even have 
taken all I had, besides the fright and danger 
of being alone at night in an unknown place. 
I dread it, terribly, even so ; but I’m learning 
pretty fast ! Oh ! for a glimpse of the old 
study at home ! and for a chance to run in and 
tell Grandpa all about it ! How he would stroke 
my cheek, with his soft tremulous hand, and 
how gently he would bid me : “ Never fret your- 
self, child, over mistakes, but go on and do better 
next time.’ Ah ! yes. But the next time can’t 
come, in this case ! The five-dollar bill is hope- 
lessly gone.” 


92 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

When the call for dinner came, remembering 
that it had been paid for and being decidedly 
hungry Edith went to it alone and “ ate her 
money’s worth.” Her New England thrift 
would have compelled her to do so, now she 
had become enlightened, even if she had not 
found herself in such fine appetite. But the 
car-sickness no longer interfered with her enjoy- 
ment and she already felt thoroughly at home 
in the train. 

Mrs. Levering’s dinner was sent in to her 
stateroom, wdiere she fed her husband what 
little he would take and nibbled at her own 
portion. But it was quite evident to Edith 
that herself and her fortunes had already sunk 
into a small place in the lady’s mind, since this 
new great trouble of her own had come upon 
her. 

It was therefore a rather lonely afternoon 
that the New Englander spent, and it was long 
after dark before that stage of her journey ended, 
and her fellow passengers, with an air of great 
relief, began to pick up their belongings, and 
get themselves into trim for leaving the car. 

The porter and his wisp-broom were every- 
where in demand, and there was a general pack- 


surgeon’s assistant 


93 


ing away of traveling caps and veils, with a re- 
appearance of well-brushed hats and bonnets. It 
was all very interesting to watch until a sudden 
sense of what it meant made Edith feel a home- 
sick dread of desertion steal over her. 

“ They all seem to know just what to do and 
where to go, except — poor me ! Even the 
Lever ings are getting ready and she’s so terribly 
anxious about him that she can’t remember 
others. I don’t blame her, though, and I wish 
I could help her.” 

u Chicago ! ” bawled two voices, one from each 
end of the sleeper. An announcement scarcely 
needful to make, since nothing but the terminus 
of a long journey could have produced so com- 
plete an evacuation of the car the instant it 
came to a halt. 

A moment later, after the crowd had dis- 
persed, a stretcher was hastily brought in. 
Upon this, men in the uniform of hospital at- 
tendants promptly and deftly placed Mr. Lever- 
ing. His pallor increased under the distress 
this moving cost him, but he tried to smile kindly 
upon the eager girl who approached as nearly 
as she dared, and who called after him in the 
cheeriest tone she could command : 


94 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Good-by, good-by ! I hope you will soon 
be all well again ! ” 

The wife had eyes and ears for Hubert only, 
and her farewell, spoken backward over her 
shoulder, was a simple : 

u Good-by, Edith ! We’ll meet again, I’m 
sure. Keep up your courage and you’ll be all 
right ! ” 

It was good advice ; yet, at that moment, 
courage was the one thing utterly wanting in 
Edith Hale’s heart, as she saw her transient 
friends depart, to leave her standing alone in 
the great empty car. 

It was black night outside and a storm was 
raging ; more fiercely, even, than the one in 
which she had left Sissmissit. A day and a 
half in the “ Tuscarora ” had made it a temporary 
home, from which to go away was a fresh trial. 
Even her luggage which, at one time she would 
have thought nothing of carrying, now appeared 
to confuse her by its amount and to be a burden 
beyond her strength ; while the porter, who 
might have helped her, had already disappeared 
with the belongings of a passenger whose tips 
had been liberal — while her own had been none. 

Presently, some women car-cleaners came in, 



EDITH PASSED DOWN THE STEPS 






* 



surgeon’s assistant 


95 


to begin their usual task of making ready for 
another run, so that further delay was out of 
the question. 

So, loading herself with her parcels, Edith 
passed out and down the steps of the sleeper 
into the racket of a night scene in the great 
station of a mighty, unknown city. 


CHAPTER VI 


A STRANGE SECTION MATE 

For a moment, tlie girl stood dazed and con- 
fused. Then she heard a voice close beside her 
evidently addressing herself ; and rallying her 
wits she turned toward a man who might have 
been their porter’s double, so like were the pair 
in attire, in soft suavity of speech, and even — to 
the New Englander’s unaccustomed eyes — in 
features. 

“ If yo’ please, lady, is you all de one what’s 
takin’ de Santa Fe overland ? De young lady 
what was telegrafted erbout by de yuther lady 
what was in de collision ? Cayse, if yo’ be, des 
gi’ me dat truck an’ I’ll tote it yonder. We 
got ter catch a ’bus right smart if we makes it. 
Dis way, lady, if yo’ please, dis way ! ” 

The smiling negro had taken all her luggage 
from her before she realized that she had given 
it up, and as he now turned and rapidly threaded 
his way among the people, down the platform, 
96 


A STRANGE SECTION MATE 


97 


toward a flight of steps, she followed him at her 
utmost speed. 

“Well,” she thought: “that’s a relief, any- 
way ! He may be stealing it, ^though I think 
he can’t be. He wouldn’t have known of Mrs. 
Levering and her despatch if he weren’t some- 
body belonging to the railroad. But — goodness ! 
How he travels ! Though he looks around, 
now and then, to see if I’m coming. Bless that 
dear, thoughtful woman’s heart ! I almost felt 
hurt that at the last she paid so little attention 
to me ; but how silly I was ! I had no claim 
upon her and yet, even in the midst of all her 
anxiety over her husband, she has prepared my 
way for me like this. Even Aunt Comfort 
would think the telegram money well spent if 
she could see me now ! ” 

Though the active porter kept looking back 
toward her and nodding his head encouragingly, 
she had fairly to run to catch up with him. 
But after they had crossed a long platform at 
the top of the steps and come out into the storm, 
he paused abruptly and gazed about him with 
an air of great concern. 

- “ Ton my wo’d, lady, dem ’buses has all done 
gone away ! ” 

7 


98 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ ’Buses ? Stages, you mean ? What are 
all those, in that line yonder ? Don’t they go 
to that other station from which my next train 
leaves ? ” 

The brilliant electric lights showed a number 
of heavy vehicles, besides a long row of empty 
cabs and hacks. These, as well as their drivers, 
who hallooed loudly for passengers were pow- 
dered with the falling snow, and the noise was 
even more confusing than that they had left in 
the station below. 

“ ’Spect if yo’ wants to catch yo’ train, bes’ 
way is fo’ to take a kerridge; yes, lady, if 
time ” 

“ I do want it, of course. Well, call one, 
then. Why do you wait ? ” 

It was amazing with what promptness her 
attendant singled out and summoned the vehicle 
best suited to their needs, according to his own 
statement ; and as he bundled her property in- 
side and helped her to follow it, Edith did have 
a momentary feeling that she was doing a haz- 
ardous thing. One of the few warnings which 
her aunt had given her had been to beware of 
trusting strangers, and yet how could she help 
it? 


A STRANGE SECTION MATE 99 

However, as the porter climbed to a seat be- 
side the hackman, it was reassuring to hear the 
order given : 

“To the Santa Fe station, double quick!” 

A few moments later, after she had been 
bounced and tumbled about in the roomy inte- 
rior of the carriage, till she felt that she was 
black and blue, it came to a sudden halt, her 
guide sprang down, flung open the door, and 
cried : 

“ He’ we are, lady ! ” 

Edith had caught the spirit of haste and 
leaped to the pavement, catching up her parcels 
as she did so, and breathlessly demanding : 

“ Which way ? My train ? ” 

“ D is way, lady ! All right, ’Zekiel ! I’ll see 
yo’ later ! ” 

They fairly flew over the short distance re- 
maining, and then the young traveler was again 
in the midst of a crowd of hurrying strangers 
each laden with the impedimenta of a prospective 
journey. A long train of many coaches — all 
sleepers — so far as the girl could see, stood 
upon the rails beside the platform. To each 
car was another porter with his hand at 
his cap rim most of the time, while he assisted 


L.ofC. 


100 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

his charges up the steps and called the name of 
his especial carriage after them. 

“ ‘ La Joy a’, section six. Dat’s yo’s, lady. He’ 
we are. Hello, Ephra’m ! dis young lady, she’s 
de one telegrafted erbout. She goes clean froo. 
Take good care of her, Ephra’m.” 

“ All right, Mistah Jeff son. I’ll special do so.” 
The new porter, whose duty it would be to 
serve her during the rest of her journey, bowed 
profoundly and allowed “ Mistah Jeff ’son ” to 
help the girl to find her section and to place her 
luggage beside her. Then he waited, cap in 
hand, inquiring solicitously : 

“ Anything mo’ I can do fo’ yo’, lady ? ” 
w Nothing, thank you. I am very, very much 
obliged for all your kindness. Sure this is the 
right train ? the right car ? I’m not used to 
traveling and ” 

“ I can see dat, lady, but yo’s all right. I’se 
sure erbout dat. But, it’s off now an’ the ker- 
ridge, lady, I spect you done forgot erbout it. 

An’ my se Vices, lady, jus’ a trifle, lady ” 

With further falterings of heart, Edith 
opened her purse, and inquired : “ How much ? ” 
“ Well, lady, seein’ de haste what was ne’ssary, 
an’ de damage to de team, scusin’ de trouble, 


A STRANGE SECTION MATE 


101 


erbout four dollars might pay. Fo’ myself, 
why — whatever de lady pleases ; ” and with his 
finest manner the extortioner bowed before her. 

The sleeper had rapidly filled. All about her 
farewells were being spoken and friends who were 
left reluctantly parting from those who were to 
go. There was every sign of instant movement 
and, even had there been plenty of time, Edith 
felt herself powerless to contest the other’s im- 
position. He had served her well, and with 
what grace she could she extended toward him 
a second of her crisp five-dollar bills, and re- 
marked, earnestly : 

' “Do go. You’ll get carried off. Pay the 
man his four dollars and keep the other ; that 
ought to pay for a whole day’s work and you 
were only a little while.” 

“ Thanks, lady, an’ I’m sure I hope yo’ll have 
a pleasant journey an’ reach the haben of yo’ 
destination feelin’ scrumptious, lady. Good- 
by ! ” 

With a run and bound he was off the already 
moving car and Edith was left to recover her 
composure as best she could. 

“Well, I suppose I ought to appreciate the 
only good wish and farewell I’ve received, even 


102 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

if it did cost me so much ! Yet that’s hardly 
fair, either. What would I have done without 
those two helpers ? Oh ! how difficult it is to 
be just, when — a body has only fifteen dollars 
left ! and with a journey hardly begun, it seems 
to me, looking at my time-table map ! ” 

Now was Maria’s reward. There had been a 
long, long time since dinner, and having wholly 
outridden her car-sickness, Edith’s appetite al- 
most frightened herself. So as soon as the 
people about her had gotten so far settled that 
she coidd give over watching them, she opened 
one of her lunch boxes and took out a glass jar 
of shredded chicken. The care with which it 
had been packed had kept the food sweet and 
moist, and never had anything tasted better. 
But, as her hunger became satisfied thoughts of 
the kindly hands which had served her in this 
matter, as in so many others, obtruded ; and with 
a sigh that was almost a sob, the exile leaned 
her head against her cushions and closed her 
eyes, picturing to herself the home scene at that 
hour. 

“Funny Maria! She never wrangled with 
Eli, trying though he was. But I can see her 
this minute, standing in the middle of the 


• A STRANGE SECTION MATE 103 

kitchen floor and making those horrid faces to- 
ward his back, as he went ont. It was her only 
way of letting off her own anger, but how ab- 
surd it was ! How ashamed she was w’hen I 
caught her at it ! I wonder ” 

She never knew what. The heat and comfort 
of her position, added to her fatigue, overcame 
her and she fell fast asleep ; with her lunch still 
open about her and her precious purse lying on 
her lap. 

She was awakened by a vigorous shaking of 
her shoulder and looking up saw a man in blue 
uniform, with a glitter of gilt about it, and a 
small lantern hugged in one arm demanding: 

“ Tickets, please ! And I say, young woman, 
I advise you to keep such things out of sight 
pointing to her pocket-book. 

She roused with a start. 

“ Why, have I been asleep ? I didn’t know 
it.” 

The official laughed genially. 

“ That’s all right. Better call the porter and 
have your berth fixed. Everybody will want 
him in a minute ; and, by the way, are you oc- 
cupying this whole section alone ? ” 

“I — suppose so. My cousin didn’t come.” 


104 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Name, please.” 

“ Mr. Frederic Stowe.” 

u Hmm ! Stowe. Stowe ! That’s not right. 
This was taken for Mrs. Eastman and compan- 
ion. You might be the companion?” he con- 
cluded, tentatively. 

“I might be, but I’m not. Oh ! I hope 
there’s no serious mistake ! Am I not on the 
right train ? The one for San Diego ? ” 

“ That’s all right. But somebody has 
blundered-^as usual.” 

“ They said I’d miss the one I should have 
taken, on account of the collision.” 

“Didn’t, though. The flyer wasn’t so long 
overdue and we waited. On a long trip we 
can easily make up a little time. Besides, there 
were a lot of passengers booked for the Slope 
and to be left by us would mean a day’s delay. 
But — Hello, Snyder ! Have you found a place 
for your party yet ? ” 

“ No. She claims this. So does her ticket.” 

Another Pullman conductor, an official quite 
distinct from the train conductor, had entered 
u La Joya” and joined his confrere beside Edith. 
They held a brief consultation, then Snyder 
turned to the girl and explained : 


A STRANGE SECTION MATE 105 

“ Old lady in another sleeper lias engaged this 
section, both berths, for herself and companion. 
Seems it was also engaged for you. Her com- 
panion hasn’t come ; neither has your friend. 
Have to ask you to share quarters. Cars are 
crowded full, every place taken. Else would 
try to make some other arrangement. Hope it’ll 
be all right ? ” 

“ Oh ! yes. I suppose it will, I mean, of course 
it will ; but I do hope she’s nice. It’s such 
close quarters and such a long ride. But — yes, 
yes ! I’ll do whatever I’m asked. Certainly.” 

Yet the girl waited in some trepidation the 
entrance of her new companion, upon whose 
amiability would depend so much of her own 
comfort during several days to come. Nor did 
her courage increase when she saw Snyder re- 
appear, assisting a decrepit old lady down the 
car-aisle, while behind them walked a porter 
bearing more luggage, it seemed, than would till 
an entire section, exclusive of Edith’s own be- 
longings. 

With a groan that was really a snort, and 
palsied shakings of head and hand, the newcomer 
fell into the seat facing Edith, and immediately 
exclaimed : 


106 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Oh ! Ugh ! Ah ! I can’t stand this ! I can’t 
ride backward. I never did. You’ve stolen half 
my section, at least give me my choice of seats.” 

“ Certainly, madam. But there has been no 
stealing. Any mistake made has not been of 
my fault.” 

Whereupon, with slightly heightened color, 
the younger traveler packed together her scat- 
tered parcels and rose to give place to her new 
acquaintance. It was not a promising beginning ; 
and after the old lady had been helped to 
arrange herself afresh in Edith’s vacated place, 
there followed a deal of labor in bestowing her 
luggage, without entirely crowding the other’s 
out of the section. 

When, at last, the octogenarian was settled 
and the two porters who had been engaged in 
ministering to her had departed, she fixed her 
spectacles on her nose and coolly regarded her 
young vis-a-vis with keen scrutiny. Then, in 
the forcible manner with which she uttered all 
her words, she hurled a question against Edith’s 
ears. 

u What are you doing, traveling alone ? ” 

“ Why — traveling alone. At my grand- 
father’s wish.” 


A STRANGE SECTION MATE 107 

The answer was out before Edith realized 
that it savored of disrespect ; also that it w^as 
not strictly true. She resented the curiosity of 
this aged person as she had not at all that of 
the gentle Mrs. Levering, to whom her thoughts 
reverted with regret. She amended her reply, 
by the explanation, more courteously given : 

“ I mean that I am journeying by grandpa’s 
authority, though he had no thought I would 
have to do so alone.” 

u Hmm ! Got a temper of your own, haven’t 
you ? Well, I’m glad you’re truthful. I hate 
a liar. I wouldn’t be shut up in a Pullman 
section with one during the best part of a week, 
not for a farm. And I know what I’m talking 
about. I’m a farmer.” 

“ Oh ! indeed ? ” asked Edith, politely. 

“Don’t look it, do I ? Well, I am. Own a 
farm in nearly every Western state and get 
cheated on the whole of them. I go my rounds, 
though, once a year. I’m on my rounds, now. 
Going to look after my orange interests in 
Southern California. Oranges and olives. Like 
olives ? ” 

Whatever might be this odd old lady’s other 
infirmities there was nothing amiss with the 


108 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

working condition of her tongue. Her words 
seemed to chase each other out of her mouth 
and she waited for no replies ; those which her 
young companion did volunteer falling, appar- 
ently for the most part upon unheeding ears. 

“ c The lame and the lazy are always provided 
for.’ I’m lame, you see. I lost my attendant — 
I’m continually losing them — this one ran away 
and got married without rhyme or reason. Sent 
me a note saying she’d like to go shopping in 
Chicago, and I was simple enough to let her. 
Bought herself a husband, it seems, after I 
bought this section and paid for it, with her 
ticket and my own clear through. Though I’ve 
got a stop-over. At Las Vegas. Going to the 
Hot Springs to duck myself and shake off rheu- 
matism. Ever have rheumatism ? Suppose 
not. Too young. But you will, if you live long 
enough. Have anything ? Come of healthy 
stock ? Everything in stock. Look prime. 
Look as if you’d been well reared. Suppose you 
wouldn’t object to acting as a companion to me 
during the rest of the trip ? Eh ? Pay you well. 
Must have somebody, and that ingrate went and 
married. Hauled her all the way from Mil- 
waukee, too. Don’t know me yet, do you ? I’m 


A STRANGE SECTION MATE 109 

Mrs. Cadwallader Eastman, of Milwaukee. Pay 
the heaviest taxes in that city. Philadelphia 
born and bred. That accounts for my executive 
ability. Never outgrow heredity. There. I’ve 
told you enough about myself. Who are 
you ? ” 

Edith explained with a brevity strongly con- 
trasted with her new acquaintance’s volubil- 
ity. 

“Hmm! Well, your grandfather’s is a dif- 
ferent creed from mine ! but by many roads we 
shall all, I trust, reach the same Heaven.” 

With her last remarks a wonderful change 
spread over the old woman’s withered coun- 
tenance. The nervous glitter of her eyes 
softened to a gentleness that astonished Editli ; 
and after sitting absolutely motionless for a 
moment, save for the incessant tremulousness 
of her frame, Madam Eastman suddenly leaned 
forward and touched the bell button. Then, 
when the porter appeared, she demanded, with 
another shaiq) contrast of manner : 

u Well, what’s your name ? You fellows are 
as much alike as blackbirds, but have to distin- 
guish you, somehow.” 

“ My name’s Joe, lady ! ” 


110 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Oh ! that was the name of the porter on the 
‘ Tuscarora,’ and he was very nice ! ” exclaimed 
Edith, eagerly. 

“ ’Spect so, lady. Dey’s a power of us named 
Joseph, an’ we’s mostly nice, lady,” returned the 
negro, with a smile. 

“Well, that’s neither here nor there. We 
want to go to bed. Help me across the aisle 
into that empty place which the disagreeable 
looking man has left, to go to the smoking com- 
partment. Fix the upper berth for me, and take 
care you don’t smash my things.” 

Joseph looked his surprise, but began to do 
as requested, without delay. Edith, also, lent a 
hand to piloting madam toward the opposite 
seat, then watched with amazement the bestowal 
of their mutual parcels into spaces incredibly 
small. 

“ Oh ! they understand their business. One 
of the few classes of servants who do. They 
wouldn’t, either, if they weren’t compelled. 
They would lose their situations if they were in- 
competent. I hate incompetence almost as much 
as I do lying. Yet the world’s as full of one 
as the other. There. That’ll do. Now, Edith, 
I’ll get ready first. After I’ve climbed up, then 


A STRANGE SECTION MATE 


111 


you get to bed, too, as soon as you can. You 
mustn’t disturb me after I’ve retired.” 

“I’ll try not, of course. But, dear madam, 
why don’t you take the lower berth and let me 
get up there? I’m young and don’t mind. It 
does not seem right that I should have the most 
comfortable place.” 

“ Lots of things don’t seem right. One more 
or less doesn’t matter. Help me off with my 
cloak and bonnet. I always wear a loose-gown 
in traveling so as to save bother. After I’ve 
got settled put them over my feet. And, 
Abigail, don’t you snore. I couldn’t stand 
snoring.” 

“I’ll try not,” again agreed Edith; ignoring 
the new name which had been thrust upon 
her. 

The girl played lady’s maid for a brief time, 
then the madam cried : 

“ Now, porter ! Oh ! porter ! ” 

“ Yes, lady,” returned the porter from a dis- 
tance down the car. 

“ Fetch me the steps. I’m ready.” 

“ All right, lady. Here you are.” 

Divested of her outer wraps Madam Eastman 
moved with surprising ease, and presently had 


112 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

her foot upon the lower step of the short ladder 
brought for her benefit. 

“Seems sort of shaky. Think it will bear 
my weight, eh, man ? ” 

“ Bear a ton, lady.” 

“ Quit that continual 4 ladying ’ and lend a 
hand.” 

“ All right, la — up you goes, la ” 

And down she came ! with a suddenness and 
a crash that made Edith catch her breath in 
alarm, and turned even Joseph’s sable coun- 
tenance a lighter shade. 

The canvas strap which held the back and 
front of the slender steps together had parted 
and Madam Eastman had tumbled in an igno- 
minious heap upon the sleeper’s fioor. 


CHAPTER VII 


THE MIKADO IN A HANDBAG 

There was instant commotion in the crowded 
sleeper. Women rushed forward proffering 
aid and expressing sympathy, while the unfor- 
tunate porter came in for a liberal share of 
blame and abuse. 

“Didn’t know it was so nearly worn out? 
Well, you should have known it.” 

“Any limbs broken? Wonderful escape. 
Truly wonderful, considering her age and in- 
firmity.” 

Now the little madam was prone to bewail- 
ing her own physical ailments and to advertis- 
ing her own years, but it was quite another 
matter when somebody else did this service for 
her. It made her indignant; so that now, as 
soon as she had recovered from the shock of her 
fall, she got upon her feet with surprising agil- 
ity and confronted her fellow-passengers with 
flashing eyes. 


113 


114 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Oh ! I’m no imbecile ! I don’t go about 
the world breaking my bones for anybody’s 
benefit. But you all saw it, didn’t you ? Y ou’d 
be willing to testify to the carelessness of the 
porter and the death-traps set by the railway 
company for unfortunate people who are forced 
to use their line. Eh ? You all saw it, I say, 
didn’t you ? ” 

Most of them had seen it ; yet there were 
few, indeed, who would care to be mixed up in 
any “ case ” against a formidable corporation. 
To bear witness meant delay, inconvenience 
and great unpleasantness. With one accord 
they began to slink away to their own places, 
and the excited sufferer of the accident was left 
alone, save for Edith. 

Then, when she had paused for breath and 
to scan contemptuously the retreating occupants 
of the various sections, there advanced from 
the stateroom a dignified gentleman, who ad- 
dressed her by name and with great respect. 

u Why, Madam Eastman ! we meet under 
unfortunate circumstances, but I am glad to say 
I may be of some use to you. My stateroom is 
at your service and that of your companion.” 

“ General Sweet ! I am delighted, I’m sure ; 


THE MIKADO IN A HANDBAG 115 

but your* stateroom ? Indeed, no. I couldn’t 
think of depriving you of that comfortable 
place. Though I warn you I did try, before 
we left town, to secure it for myself and was 
no end indignant that I failed. Of course, had 
I known it was you I was seeking to discom- 
mode, I should not have done so ; ” and in spite 
of the narrow space allowed for it, as well as 
her previous lameness, the old lady swept the 
gentleman a courtesy which for deference and 
grace might well be imitated by a later genera- 
tion. 

General Sweet acknowledged this by a pro- 
found and equally effective obeisance. Then 
followed a few moments’ further parley, end- 
ing, as both these old aristocrats knew was in- 
evitable, in an exchange of quarters. 

“ But what is to become of me ? ” cried 
Edith, in consternation, as she saw the porter 
removing Madam Eastman’s luggage to the 
distant stateroom. 

“ My dear ! Where I go you will go, as a 
matter of course,” returned the lady, still main- 
taining that air of the grand dame which she 
had assumed upon the chance meeting with one 
of her own social plane, but which she had not 


116 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

cared to “ wear out ” in the intercourse with 
strangers, presumably “ commonplace.” 

u It certainly is an ill wind that blows nobody 
good,” remarked Madam Eastman, as they 
settled themselves in the luxury of a sleeping 
apartment quite to themselves. “ And what a 
lucky tumble that was ! Eight off a top shelf 
under a skylight into that wide, springy couch ! 
Congratulate yourself, my dear, that your 
cousin and my silly companion did not come. 
I foresee that we shall have a lovely time to- 
gether, and you will have the opportunity of 
making the acquaintance of one of the noblest 
men and finest gentlemen in the world. He and 
I were young together in Philadelphia. He is 
a director of this road and we will receive every 
attention while we are traveling upon it.” 

u But, are you sure you did not hurt your- 
self ? Can’t I do something for you ? and is it 
really right for me to be here and him out 
there ? ” 

u One thing we did not do in my young days 
was to belabor our elders with questions. We 
accepted the good that came to us and were 
thankful. Do you suppose, for even the twen- 
tieth part of a second, that a gentleman — a 


THE MIKADO IN A HANDBAG 


117 


gentleman, my dear, — could be at all comfort- 
able in here after such an accident as happened 
out ther,e to an old friend ? No, indeed. A 
gentleman would find this delightful spring 
mattress a veritable bed of thorns. Now go to 
sleep, after you’ve said your prayers and don’t 
forget to give thanks for all your mercies, nor 
to mention a lonely old woman along with the 
rest of your friends.” 

The contradictory phases of Madam Eastman’s 
manner constantly startled the inexperienced 
New Englander. Yet there was no doubting 
the sincerity of the stranger in all she said and 
did ; and as she lay back at last, upon her 
pillow and relaxed something of the tension she 
had put upon herself, she looked so very frail 
and pallid that Edith yielded to impulse and 
bending over her, said : 

“ If you don’t mind, I would like to kiss you 
good night.” 

u Kiss — me ? Kiss me ! Why, child alive, I 
can’t remember when anybody has done that. 
Not since I was a widow, I think, and that’s 
many more years than you’re old. Why ? I 
wonder ! ” 

“ I hardly know. Maybe because we are both 


118 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

so far from Lome and everything belonging to 
us.” 

“You may be, dear heart, but I am not. I 
have homes by the score, yet not one a home to 
me now. I am a wandering spirit. But I 
should like it very much. I should like the 
feel of young lips on my old cheek once more.” 

So the kiss was given and accepted; and, 
under far more auspicious conditions than had 
seemed possible from its beginning, the oddly 
assorted pair bade each other good night and 
went to sleep. 

They woke to the sunshine of a perfect day 
and its effect was excellent upon the spirits of 
both. In the novelty of her surroundings 
Edith forgot her homesickness, and the posses- 
sion of the luxurious stateroom that she had 
coveted put Madam Eastman in what she called 
“ fine fettle.” But the girl observed with re- 
gret that she was the only young person in the 
car ; all other occupants of it being middle-aged 
or very old. All, too, she came later to find 
out, were going to the “ Slope ” in pursuit of 
health and to avoid the rigors of an Eastern 
winter. 

“Well, you may be thankful that you are 


THE MIKADO IN A HANDBAG 


119 


the only one, my dear. If there were another 
girl on board she would doubtless be disagree- 
able. Half -grown maidens mostly are. You’ll 
be greatly petted and — abused.” 

“ Abused, Madam Eastman ? why ? how ? ” 

“ Why \ Because it’s so much easier to use 
other people’s legs than one’s own ; as, for in- 
stance, I now bid you : 1 Hand me that soft 
shawl out of the upper berth ; ’ when I neither 
need the shawl nor am unable to serve myself. 
You’ll be at everybody’s beck and call, all the 
way over. Let me see. Ah, yes ! The same 
old crowd. AYearing different shapes and cloth- 
ing, but in reality the very identical set that 
I’ve traveled with a score of times. Hear me 
prophesy ; ” concluded the eccentric old lady, 
rising to stand and peer between the curtains 
of her doorway down the long sleeper and at 
its various tenants. 

From this vantage point she coolly scrutinized 
her fellow-passengers, using her lorgnette so 
effectively that she soon catalogued the whole 
company. After which she returned to her 
cushions by the window and reported her ob- 
servations : — 

“ Just as I told you. There’s the fussy old 


120 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

woman in Number Nine, who will lose things, 
from her specs to her arctics, which the ridicu- 
lous creature has brought along for use in a 
railway car ! She’ll call upon you to 4 seek 
them’ every station she gets out at, and she’ll 
get out at every one between here and Los 
Angeles. She’ll do it for the air and to stretch 
her stiff joints.” 

44 That should rest her some, shouldn’t it ? ” 
laughed Edith. 

44 Yes. It will her — but not you. She’ll 
demand your assistance with neatness and des- 
patch. She’ll not get it though, for I now 
pre-demand it for myself. Then there’s the 
half -blind old gentleman who will ask you to 
pick out the stock news and read to him from 
every newspaper he can lay his hands upon, and 
that’ll be about fifty in all. He will buy them 
everywhere en route. There is the dear old 
couple in Number Thirteen, just outside our 
door, who are going to 4 Riverside ’ to spend a 
winter eating oranges off their son’s ranch. 
They are as excited and ignorant as the babes 
in the woods. She’s a W. C. T. U. woman and 
has a bottle of grape juice in her basket. I saw 
it. She is tempting her old husband to taste 


THE MIKADO IN A HANDBAG 121 

it, this minute. In the far-away section at the 
other end is an Englishwoman. I’ve seen her 
before, in proper person. She is a globe-trotter, 
same as myself. I met her last on an Indian 
desert — East Indian — where we were each try- 
ing to get up courage for a camel-back ride. 
I’ve ridden everything that travels on four legs 
and is big enough to hold me, but a camel beats 
the lot. For all wobbley, sea-sickish motions 
the humpback has the choicest assortment. 
When he begins to unfold himself and straighten 
up — My ! how that woman screamed. She’ll 
recognize me, presently, and then, my child, just 
keep your ears open and listen. She always 
carries a little bottle of patent medicine. After 
we’ve reached the warmer latitudes and all be- 
gun to feel a little peculiar in our heads and 
stomachs, she’ll come along and offer the sweet 
old lady a dose of it. The poor innocent will 
be so pleased at the thoughtful attention and 
drink it. The Englishwoman will think that is 
fine and enjoy the episode — if I don’t interfere. 
Ilmm ! What are you opening your eyes so 
wide for ? ” 

“ It sounds like a story book. It doesn’t 
seem real that you, who are sitting just beside 


122 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

me, can have seen so much and know so many 
people. Aunt Comfort ” 

“ Very likely I should make her stare, too ; 
but I think she would not object to anything I 
may do or say to you. I’ll keep her in mind, 
child, and some day I hope I’ll make her 
acquaintance.” 

At this Edith’s eyes expressed still greater 
wonder. She had been accustomed to hearing 
people as old as Madam discuss no future except 
such as pertained to death and eternity ; yet 
here was this Madam Eastman discoursing as 
hopefully as if her eighty years lay before and 
not behind her. 

Again the shrewd interpreter of others’ 
thoughts read those of the girl before her and 
commented upon them. 

u Isn’t it better so, my dear ? Do you think 
that the real things — the life eternal and the 
beatitude of that existence — are less vital to me 
because I act out my nature and get the most 
fun from this earthly life that I can? Not a 
bit. Keep young, child ; always keep young. 
That helps one’s self and one’s neighbors, also. 
Then, too, I have been greatly blessed by hav- 
ing the wherewithal to travel and learn some- 


THE MIKADO IN A HANDBAG 123 

thing about this earth of ours. By the way, 
lassie, this overland trip will educate you more 
than two years or more of your best high-school- 
ing. It’s history, geography, and human nature 
all in one. I’ll furnish considerable of the lat- 
ter, you’re thinking. So I will. Ah ! 4 by the 
pricking of my thumbs’ here is my English- 
woman ! ” 

Another peculiarity of Madam Eastman’s was 
the rapidity of her speech ; which though clearly 
enunciated compelled the person addressed to 
pay strictest attention. But she ceased as sud- 
denly as if the speaker’s own teeth had bitten 
her words off short, and Edith turned about to 
see the approaching lady. She came swinging 
down the aisle, with the assured tread of one 
to whom swaying railway carriages were habit- 
ual abodes, glancing briefly but keenly to right 
and left and evidently forming swift judgments 
concerning her car mates. As Madam had sur- 
mised she had a predilection for extreme age, 
and she paused for an instant beside Number 
Thirteen to lay her hand lightly upon the old 
mother’s shoulder and bid a cheery : “ Good 

morning, dear ! I hope you rested well, last 
night.” 


124 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Why, does she know her ? ” whispered 
Edith. 

u Probably never met before, but she knows 
life ; and that to go through the world shedding 
brightness, even if people haven’t been ‘ in- 
troduced,’ is a truer interpretation of it than to 
make one’s self an oyster.” 

Madam’s explanations were sometimes as 
puzzling to the village-bred girl as the points 
they were intended to explain ; but she had no 
time for further inquiry. The vigorous figure, 
clothed in the black-and-white-check, tailor-made 
suit, which had doubtless been worn over several 
thousand miles of travel, yet still retained its 
freshness, by reason of its wearer’s daintiness, 
came on for the few remaining steps, and met 
Madam Eastman in the stateroom doorway. 

In breathless curiosity Edith watched this 
extraordinary meeting. But though the English- 
woman’s eyebrows lifted slightly and her ad- 
vance was suddenly checked, there was no fur- 
ther sign of surprise. She merely extended her 
strong hands and clasped the trembling ones of 
her old friend with the exclamation : 

u Wasn’t it absurd, how frightened I was! 
yet you rode like an old Arab ! As composedly 


THE MIKADO IN A HANDBAG 125 

as if you’d been marshaling caravans over 
the sands all down the ages. Well, I’m glad 
we’ve met ; and whither now ? ” 

“ Las Yegas. To coddle my rheumatism. 
And yourself ? ” 

“ El Coronado, for a time. Am to meet a 
party who’ve come round the other way, from 
Japan, Alaska, ’Frisco, and down the coast by 
steamship. We were due to meet a week ago, 
but I was detained.” 

Although she asked no questions, the lady’s 
eyes rested for a moment, and with marked 
admiration, upon Edith’s fair and eager face ; 
and inviting her old acquaintance into the state- 
room, Madam Eastman introduced the strangers 
as : — 

“ Lady Jane Grey — not the beheaded one, nor 
even a descendant — Miss Edith Hale. Lost 
my regular ‘ companion ’ at Chicago — by mar- 
riage. I found this lassie in my section, also 
waiting for an unknown escort who hasn’t yet 
materialized. We joined partnership in the 
disputed section, then I fell off the steps and 
another friend gave us this room. Oh ! some 
day I shall get wise enough to work my passage 
through the world very comfortably for myself,” 


126 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

laughed the whimsical old body, fixing her keen 
gaze on the New 'Englander’s face and hugely 
enjoying its varying expressions. 

Then her own countenance lighted with fresh 
interest, and she exclaimed : — 

u This wonderful crazy-quilt of life ! I like 
this child well enough to wish her well, yet I 
must leave her at the Springs. I’ve been hoping 
something would happen to make me easy 
about her and it has : you’ve happened, Lady 
Jane. I wish you’d keep her in charge till she 
reaches her friends. They must be very near 
San Diego. By the way, Edith, what did you 
say was their name ? ” 

u I don’t remember that you asked, but the 
family name is Garcelon.” 

Madam Eastman and Lady Jane exchanged 
astonished glances and the former exclaimed : 

“ W ell ! of all things ! If I’d known that 
before I certainly shouldn’t have selected you 
for a companion. My ! what a little world it 
is ! ” 

Edith had her own share of family pride and 
spirit ; and though her mother’s people were 
strangers to her she could not hear any reflec- 
tion upon them without protest. 


THE MIKADO IN A HANDBAG 


127 


w I am sorry that our name offends you ; and 
if my presence here has ceased to be agreeable 
I will ask the conductor to find me some other 
place. He will be obliged to do it, I should 
think.” 

“ Hoity, toity, child ! Never get angry over 
trifles. That will shorten your life. I repeat 
that I surely would not have chosen a descend- 
ant of an enemy for my stateroom mate, but 
having done so I am delighted to find one of 
the race can be so. charming. By the way, 
Lady Jane, I’ve a mind to alter my plans and 
go right through with you. The rheumatism 
can wait.” 

She did not add, nor did Edith dream, that 
this sudden decision which appeared but an- 
other of her many vagaries was really a gen- 
erous wish on her part to look after the girl 
who had so greatly won her fancy. 


CHAPTER VIII 


SANTA EOSA 


u Theee is nobody here to meet you, so far 
as I can learn. Well, I should have been sur- 
prised if there had been ; ’ f remarked Madam 
Eastman, as the trio of travelers stepped down 
from the u La Joya ” upon the station platform at 
San Diego, into the full glory of a sunshiny 
day. 

Edith’s railway experiences had taught her 
many things, among these the uncertainty of 
anybody keeping an appointment. She knew 
that her grandfather had written her unknown 
relatives on what date and by what train to ex- 
pect their visitor, and that in addition to the 
letter he meant to go to the expense of a tele- 
gram, so that she might not have the disap- 
pointment which now confronted her — of land- 
ing in a strange place unwelcomed. 

The girl’s heart sank, for a moment ; but she 
had never forgotten nor quite forgiven her corn- 
128 


SANTA ROSA 


129 


panions’ unfavorable reception of the Garcelon 
name and she rallied her courage on its behalf. 

“ I suppose there has been some misunder- 
standing ; but that it will be easy for me to 
get a carriage to take me there.” 

The old lady did not immediately reply. 
She was busy greeting some acquaintances who 
had come to the station to meet the “over- 
land,” and from their manner toward her, 
Edith judged her to be a most welcome arrival. 
Even the hack drivers from the various hotels 
seemed familiar with her and raised, their hats 
hopefully, anticipating her patronage. The 
girl noticed, also, that the old aristocrat treated 
these humbler folk with a simple friendliness 
which easily explained their evident liking for 
her. 

Lady Jane held out her hand : — 

“ Well, madam, I’ll say good-by and be off 
across the ferry. I’m impatient now to meet 
my people. Odd, isn’t it ? how much longer 
the last few minutes of waiting seem than all 
that has gone before. Don’t forget your 
promise to come over and dine with us to-night, 
and give my love to any old friends you may meet 
at the Florence. Good-by, Miss Edith. I wish 
9 


130 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA* 

you everything delightful, and trust we may see 
each other again, soon. Good-by.” 

As the stage for El Coronado rolled away, 
the long, dusty train also pulled out from the 
station, bound for its one last stopping place, a 
few miles further south. To Edith, standing 
alone and forlorn, in a glare of sunlight which 
dazzled her, it seemed like the departure of a 
faithful friend. The little stateroom of the “ La 
Joya ” had become a sort of home to her, and a 
sickening desolate feeling stole over her, seeming 
to stiffen her throat and turn her giddy. 

“ Three thousand miles from home and not a 
soul I know ! ” 

For kind as Madam Eastman had been their 
association was ended. The old lady’s belong- 
ings were being stowed away in a carriage and 
she was, presently, helped after it by a solici- 
tous attendant. Then the door was shut with a 
bang and the driver sprang to his place. 

“ Oh ! I didn’t think she would do that ! She 
has been good to me but I have been good to 
her, too, or tried to be. I’ve rubbed her aching 
joints till she fell asleep, and combed her hair, 
buttoned her boots, read to her till my throat 
ached, and she doesn’t even say good-by ! ” 


SANTA ROSA 


131 


Did she not ? 

The restless horses were faced about and 
brought to a sudden stand-still close to the end 
of the platform where the New Englander stood, 
now almost the last person left of the throng 
which had crowded the spot but a few moments 
before. Then madam leaned forward and 
beckoned through the window. 

Edith approached, with a swift rebound of 
feeling. 

“ Thought I’d deserted you, didn’t you ? I 
supposed you would. But I haven’t. I’m 
going to my hotel, and you are to wait here, in 
the room yonder, till this carriage comes back. 
It wouldn’t be worth while to take all your lug- 
gage up the hill and down again, since your 
route ' lies southwest, any way. I’ll send a 
woman back to go out with you to your people. 
It’s a long drive, fifteen miles or more, and you 
mustn’t take it alone. After she’s placed you 
with your relatives she’ll come back. Then I 
shall have done all for you that I can.” 

u Oh ! madam ! how kind you are to me ! 
But — please wait just a moment. How 
much ” 

She spoke to the empty air. Already the 


132 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

hack was bowling upward toward the hotel on 
the bluff and the question of whether she had 
money sufficient left in her purse to pay for so 
long a drive could not be answered. 

“Well, it can't be helped. I couldn’t go to a 
hotel, because I’ve heard madam and Lady Gray 
talk, and the prices they spoke of paying would 
be out of the question for me. I’d have to camp 
somewhere out-of-door, I’m afraid. Seventy 
dollars a week for a room overlooking the ocean 
appeared to Lady Jane to be quite moderate. 
Imagine Aunty Comfort’s horror at such waste. 
However, it won’t do for me to think of home 
or I shall break down.” " 

Yet she came very near doing so when Madam 
Eastman’s cab returned quite empty; and the 
tales of wild life on the “ Slope ” such *as Eli 
had surreptitiously purchased and read to her, 
years before, came into mind. For the driver 
promptly informed her that : — 

“ The old lady couldn’t get the housekeeper, 
or nobody else, to-day. There’s a big reception 
or sunthin’ or other going on and everybody was 
needed to help. You’re to go along with me 
and needn’t be afraid to trust me. I know the 
road well. Druv over it hundreds of times. 


SANTA ROSA 


133 


The Garcelon ranch is about the last sample of 
what used to be round these diggin’s and tow- 
erists mostly go out to stare at it. I’m an old 
forty-niner, I am. Been in Californy ever since. 
When I crossed the plains I ’spected to make 
my pile and go back with a band of music and 
colors flying. Pshaw ! Here’s where I landed 
— a livery hack-driver in the jumping off -city 
of the Union. That’s life ; that is.” 

Readjusting his horses’ harnesses for their 
long task he asked : — 

u This your truck ? The whole of it ? Well, 
climb in. A thirty-mile drive ’twixt now and 
sundown is a steepish piece of work even for 
my team, and there ain’t none to beat it round 
here. My name is Eleazer Mason. I hail from 
New Hampshire, town of Canaan, on the old 
Connecticut.” 

“ New Hampshire ? Why, so do I ! ” 

The honest, sunbrowned face of the pioneer 
brightened instantly and he extended his hand 
in what he called a “ regular Masonic grip ” ; 
explaining : — 

“ Always save that kind for our own folks. 
Livin’ so far from home makes the little old 
state ’pear as if it all belonged to me, with all 


134 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

its natives. My ! but it’s a small world, when 
all’s told ! ” 

“That’s just what madam said, and she’s been 
a great traveler, I guess.” 

“ There you are ! That settles it. All New 
Hampshire ‘ guesses ’ at its facts. Fixed com- 
fortable ? Giddap, there, boys ! G’long ! My 
stars, if this don’t do me good ! What town 
you from ? ” 

“ Sissmissit.” 

“ Hey ? Not Sissmissit on the Merrimac ? 
Nigh Concord ? ” 

“ Yes, indeed.” 

“ You don’t say ! Know any Johnsons there ? ” 

“Several families. Two Johnsons, Eli and 
Maria, live with my grandfather, the minister.” 

“ Shake ! Shake ! Eli Johnson’s my mater- 
nal cousin twice removed ! ” 

“ Your cousin ! How wonderful and 
strange ! ” 

“ Nothing on earth so pesky strange as the 
truth. Story-novels can’t hold a candle to fact. 
Me and Eli was raised together. He was a can- 
tankerous little shaver. What sort of man has 
he made ? ” 

“ Well ? — ” laughed Edith. 


SANTA ROSA 


135 


“ Hmm ! Exactly. Same old sixpence. And 
Maria ? ” 

It was good to talk and good to hear. In a 
very short time these two es trays from New 
England had learned all the facts of each other’s 
history and it was noticeable that Mr. Mason’s 
expression grew serious as Edith explained 
that : — 

“ I don’t know just what I am to do here. 
Whether I shall go to school, still, or not. The 
letter of instructions that my father left merely 
stated that I should be trained New England 
way until I was sixteen and then be sent to my 
grandmother Garcelon for her to do with me as 
she desires. When I become eighteen — that’s 
of age, isn’t it ? — I am to have the little money 
my parents left and may do just what I wish 
wfith it. They hoped by giving me this two- 
sided sort of raising, I might develop a 4 noble, 
well-rounded character, free from prejudices 
and bigotry. ’ ” 

u Hmm. Your father wasn’t so foolish as he 
seemed. Beg pardon, that’s my rough way. 
What I mean is that he knew, pesky well, if 
you spent all your first years in Yankeedom 
you could no more help learning to be capable 


136 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

and honest and correct in every way than you 
could help breathing. The first part of a young- 
ster’s life is what tells. Well, I’m interested to 
watch the outcome. And — if you ain’t going 
to meet a difference, my name ain’t Eleazer 
Mason ! ” 

Edith’s heart sank. From Madam Eastman 
and Lady Jane, and now again from this person 
who, also, seemed to know her mother’s family, 
she had received a pitying sympathy, as if her 
prospects were dark indeed. But an indignant 
protest rose to her lips : — 

“ Well, though I don’t yet know them, I have 
faith to believe that any family into which my 
father married must be quite all right. Do you 
know if it is a large one ? ” 

Mr. Mason suppressed a whistle. It amazed 
him to find her so ignorant of those among 
whom she was to live, yet it was not for him to 
further add to her uneasiness. 

“ There’s a goodish lot of youngsters around, 
but who and which they are I don’t know. As 
for family being good — that’s just the trouble. 
They’re all so pesky proud of their old Castilian 
strain that our latter-day folks aren’t hardly 
fit to touch. But — you belong amongst ’em. 


SANTA ROSA 


137 


You’re of their own blue-bloodedness, and I 
guess it will be all right. If it isn’t, if ever 
while you’re in Southern Calif orny, or anywhere 
else, for that matter, you need a friend, just re- 
member that Eleazer Mason, of Canaan, New 
Hampshire, will serve one of his own folks, with 
his bottom dollar and his last strength.” 

“Thank you. You are very, very kind. 
Still, I hope that I may never need apply for 
your assistance, though I shall be delighted to 
have ybu for a friend.” 

The words were so earnestly spoken and the 
girl’s face was so sincerely grateful that the 
Forty-niner was moved to add : 

“ Pshaw ! You’ll get along. I can see. 
You’ve the Yankee faculty and that’s really 
another sense. Now look sharp, right over 
yonder. There she lies. Santy Rosy rancho — 
or what’s left of it.” 

Edith’s gaze followed the pointing whip. 
Crowning the mesa before them lay a long 
range of low white buildings, standing out 
square and bare against the sky line and the 
brown level that stretched unbroken on every 
side. Save that in the distant background 
there rose two sharp mountain peaks ; and that 


138 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

in tlie very lieart of the clustered buildings 
there showed a few tree-tops. 

u Why, how sort of set apart it looks ! I saw 
other adobe buildings, as we came along, but 
nothing to compare with those. It’s like a little 
village, isn’t it ? ” 

“ It’s pretty big even yet ; and time was that 
Santy Rosy was famous all up and down the 
coast.” 

Then they began to climb the steep road to 
the bluff above and even Eleazer’s tongue be- 
came silent, for it took all his skill to pilot his 
team through and over the rain-washed, ill-kept 
wagon track. When they had covered the 
ascent he drove in a semicircle to the rear of 
the buildings and stopped before a wide open- 
ing in a gray-green hedge, so curious in appear- 
ance that the New Englander exclaimed in sur- 
prise : 

“ What can it be ! I never saw anything: like 
that ! ” 

“ Guess you didn’t. Prickly pear fence. 
About six to ten foot thick, and a hundred 
years old if it’s a day. Look’s if ’twould keep 
the Indians out, don’t it? That was what it 
was planted for, I ’low.” 



A STIR OF LIFE AMONG THE BRANCHES 




SANTA ROSA 


139 


Beyond the forbidding hedge lay a court or 
garden of such surpassing loveliness that Edith 
could only gaze in silent admiration. 

“Kind of a oasis in the desert of Sahary, 
ain’t it ? ” demanded Eleazer, watching the 
girl’s face. “ That beats Sissmissit, don’t it ? 
At this time o’ year, anyhow.” 

“ Oh ! the roses, the roses ! If grandfather 
could see them ! ” 

Boses, indeed. By the hundreds of thou- 
sands, clustering on the mighty vines that had 
outlived several generations ; roses of every 
hue known to the race and of odors so pungent 
that they reached far beyond the gateless en- 
trance of the old rancho. When the roses had 
somewhat ceased to dazzle, Edith discovered 
other astonishing things. Heliotropes, such as 
in Aunt Comfort’s northern garden had required 
most fostering treatment, here ran riot with 
a world of bloom and fragrance ; while great 
banks of calla lilies held up their ivory chalices, 
full to the brim with beauty and sweetness. 

Presently, among the crowding branches 
there was a stir of human life, for the arrival of 
the surrey had aroused the inmates of the house ; 
and with shouts of delight a bevy of children 


140 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

swarmed out of the garden and settled them- 
selves upon any available part of the vehicle 
that would sustain their weight. They did 
this without any regard to Mr. Mason or his 
companion, and simply to satisfy their own 
thirst for novelty. 

A pair of lads forced themselves upon the 
seat where Edith still remained, and began a 
vigorous jumping up and down in the fancy 
that they were riding. Another lad, much 
taller and who in staid Sissmissit would have 
been ashamed of such childishness, leaped to a 
place beside Eleazer and, seizing the reins from 
that worthy’s hands, excitedly waved them to 
make the horses prance. This the well-trained 
team refused to do, and Edith forgot to be afraid 
in watching the disappearance overhead of a 
fourth pair of small brown legs. 

The assault of the carriage roof was the sig- 
nal for a fresh raid from the garden and a fifth 
urchin was already shinning up the slender 
support of the canopy when the proprietor in- 
terfered. Smiling good-naturedly, he grasped 
an ankle firmly and jerked its owner to a seat 
upon his knee. 

“ No, you don’t. Not up there. You’re 


SANTA ROSA 


141 


used to takin’ advantage of me blit there’s 
limits. There’s limits, young man. One of 
’em is to your neglecting your manners. Turn 
yourself around, instanter, and bid your cousin 
how-de-do.” 

For the first time the children began to treat 
Mr. Mason and Edith as if they were more 
alive than the carriage, and the little fellow r on 
the hackman’s lap shyly brought a pair of 
beautiful dark eyes to bear upon the stranger 
girl. His own face was bewitching in its rich 
beauty and she exclaimed, eagerly : 

“ Oh, you darling ! Are you my cousin, 
truly ? ” 

He did not reply, but her question had 
brought a half-dozen other faces to peer into 
her own, with curious and not unfriendly in- 
tentness. Suddenly she smiled, and the re- 
sponsive smiles broke down the last vestige of 
uncertainty. 

With a bound as light and easy as their own 
movements she was upon the ground among 
them, catching up the youngest in her arms and 
kissing its pretty face again and again. Some- 
thing warm stirred within her lonely heart 
and banished homesickness. She had never 


142 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

seen anything so lovely as this crowd of young 
folks, who no longer seemed strangers but of 
close akin. The scantiness and brevity of their 
attire scandalized her and their want of breed- 
ing instantly suggested the stern decorum of 
Miss Comfort. Nevertheless, she loved them, 
at once, without reservation ; and old Eleazer 
on his driver’s seat remarked to himself : 

“ Pshaw ! If that don’t beat all ! Say what 
you will, blood is thicker’n water, an’ she’s clear 
forgot me a’ready or that I hail from Canaan 
an’ know Eli.” 

Meanwhile, Edith was swiftly moving down 
the weed-entangled path toward the broad 
porch of the old adobe mansion and the stately 
figure which stood in its doorway. 

“Well, I declare ! that’s the old Seenory her- 
self with all her war paint on ! How’ll them 
two tackle each other, I wonder ! ” quoth Elea- 
zer, leaning forward to watch the meeting. 


CHAPTER IX 


A MOONLIGHT VISITOR 

Eager and yet afraid, Edith paused before 
the broken step leading to the porch. 

The figure in the doorway was a revelation 
to her. She had never dreamed that age could 
wear this guise or be so beautiful, even beyond 
the loveliness of the garden children. 

With shoulders unbowed as a girl’s and a 
waist as slender, clothed, too, in girlish white 
that was matched by her wonderful piled-up 
hair, the Senora Dona Rosa Grarcelon might well 
have astonished one of even wider experience 
than the simply-reared Edith, whose elderly 
acquaintances were always garbed in somber 
colors and carried themselves feebly. But she 
was not left to speculate for long upon any- 
thing. A pair of fair white hands were extended 
toward her and a voice of exceeding sweetness 
exclaimed ; 

u It is the daughter of my daughter ! They 

143 


14:4 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

are Jesuita’s eyes that gaze upon me— her very 
own. My dove, my little one ! ” 

Again that curious feeling of kinship, so 
strong that it instantly banished strangeness, 
thrilled the New Englander’s heart, as she felt 
herself enfolded by the Senora’s arms and her 
travel-soiled head pressed close to her grand- 
mother’s breast. Then she was held oif again, 
that the lady’s eyes might search afresh for 
family resemblance ; and again was clasped 
close and long. 

“ But why did not Alarico fetch you, my dar- 
ling? He went with the cart at daybreak to 
meet you. He surely must have been in time.” 

“ Hid you send for me then ? I am so glad. 
They said ” 

“ Eh ? What ? Who said, heart’s dearest ? ” 

Edith blushed and stammered ; then answered 
truthfully : 

“ Some people who were very kind to me on 
the way. Who seemed to know you and — and 
— I fancy did not like you.” 

“ Ah, indeed ! That matters not. A person 
who has no enemies is a person of small ac- 
count. But the man yonder. The carriage 
driver, the insolent. He comes often to stare 


A MOONLIGHT VISITOR 


145 


at us in our poverty as lie would not have dared 
to do in the days that are gone. Not even when 
David, your father, dwelt with us. You are 
like him too, precious. Come in, come in. 
Ysidra, O Ysidra !” 

Sweetly modulated as was the Senora’s voice 
it still had a penetrating clearness that carried 
far ; and in prompt response to the summons 
there appeared a woman as strongly in contrast 
to the elder lady as possible. She was swarthy 
and rotund and her features so ill-matched that 
each might have been selected from some dif- 
ferent face. Her own voice, also, in answering, 
was harsh and her manner brusque to coarse- 
ness. 

Yet she seemed a person of importance, for 
the Dona Rosa now addressed her almost ap- 
pealingly : 

“ It is the niece of your husband, Ysidra mia. 
She will need refreshment after her long journey 
and water heated for her bath. Is it that she 
may be attended, my daughter ? ” 

“What must be, will be,” replied Ysidra, sen- 
tentiously ; and vouchsafed no further notice to 
the newcomer. Then steps were heard upon 
the porch and glancing back Edith saw Eleazer 

IO 


146 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

bringing in her trunk and watching her curi- 
ously from beneath his shaggy brows. 

“ Oh ! Mr. Mason, isn’t that too heavy for you 
to carry alone ? ” 

“ Pshaw ! that ain’t nothin’. Good day, 
Seenory. I hope you find yourself well.” 

There was a brief hesitation on the lady’s 
part before she returned the salutation with 
great suavity. Eleazer was a man whom, with- 
out knowing, she detested, but he had come be- 
neath her roof and was entitled to an almost ex- 
aggerated courtesy, in accordance with the code 
in which she had been trained. 

But there was no hesitation on the part of 
his recent passenger as she flew to his side and 
exclaimed : 

“You see it is all right, Mr. Mason ! Those 
people who were afraid for me did not under- 
stand. Isn’t she beautiful — beautiful ? Does 
it seem possible she can be old enough to be my 
grandmother ? ” asking the last under her breath 
that the Senora might not hear. 

“ No. It don’t. Grandmas out Canaan way 
gen’ally wore caps and shoulder shawls. But 
— well, never mind. I must step out and look 
to my horses, and as soon as they’ve rested a 


A MOONLIGHT VISITOR 147 

bit start back to town. I’ll fetch in the rest of 
your traps now.” 

He rose clumsily from the low, rather dilapi- 
dated chair which he had occupied, evidently 
thankful that it had not collapsed beneath 
him. Then he brought in the remainder of 
Edith’s belongings and directed by the Seilora 
carried them down the long suite of rooms to 
one at the eastern end, which had a door open- 
ing upon the porch as well as several small 
windows facing upon that and the mesa surround- 
ing the mansion. For, despite the air of decay 
everywhere visible, a mansion it still remained, 
and, as Eleazer expressed it, seemed big enough 
to shelter a regiment. 

“ Oh ! how pretty ! Dear grandmother, how 
good of you ! ” 

Indeed, at first sight, the square, whitewashed 
apartment appeared a bower of beauty. The 
riotous rose- vines had circled a corner of the old 
adobe, as if seeking to hide from the room’s 
inmates the bare outlook of brown and sandy 
mesa, while through the open door the most 
brilliant portion of the wonderful garden dis- 
played itself. Over the low, tiled mantel were 
heaped branches of crimson roses, while other 


148 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

roses, white and yellow, were tossed upon the 
table and even the bed with a lavish profusion 
that enchanted the New Englander. 

“ Oh ! if Aunty Comfort could but see 
this ! ” 

u Eh ? what ? Is it she who is the hard 
sister of my David son-in-law ? ” 

“Yes, grandmother;” and upon that subject 
Edith felt that there was nothing more to say. 

Just then both Eleazer and Ysidra came along 
the porch and appeared in the doorway. The 
latter deposited upon the earthen floor of the 
bedroom a great circular basket and emptied 
into it a bucket of water that she had borne 
upon her head. 

“ Oh ! take care ! ” exclaimed Edith, catching 
even her own rather short skirts out of the way 
of an anticipated deluge. 

But the others merely looked at her, as much 
surprised by her outcry as she was by Ysidra’s 
action. 

Eleazer took upon himself to explain : 

“ That’s all right, girlie. That’s one o’ them 
Indian baskets made a purpose. Likely it’s 
been in the family a hundred years or more 
and will hold water tighter ’n any wooden 


A MOONLIGHT VISITOR 


149 


wash-tub ever turned out of Yankee land. I 
guess you couldn’t buy one of them things for 
any price, ’cause some of the folks I’ve druv 
have tried it off the Indians themselves.” Then 
as he saw the Senora regarding him with some 
curiosity he added : w Guess you haven’t got 
none o’ them old bath baskets for sale, have 
you ? ” 

“ The sale of anything — that is not our 
habit,” replied the lady, proudly. a But, Ysi- 
dra, is the man’s luncheon ready ? ” 

“ Oh ! I ain’t hungry. Not a mite. Besides, 
if I be, I have a snack of bread and cheese un- 
der the wagon seat,” Avas Eleazer’s rather mixed 
disclaimer of her proffered hospitality. 

“ There is a table in the court,” said Ysidra, 
shortly, and casting one further searching 
glance upon Edith’s interested face, stalked 
back whence she came. 

Eleazer felt himself dismissed and held his 
hand toward the girl in farewell. She grasped 
it cordially, ignoring a protesting expression 
upon her grandmother’s countenance ; then sud- 
denly remembered that she had not paid him 
for his services. 

u How much do I owe you, Mr. Mason ? ” she 


150 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

asked, opening her pocket-book which now 
held an extremely small sum. 

44 Not a 4 Continental ’ ! ” 

44 Why, but I must ! All that long way — • 
just take what I have, please, and if it isn’t 
enough ” 

Eleazer waved her hand aside indignantly. 

44 Now, look a-here ! Madam Eastman paid 
me once — though I’ll hand it back, soon’s I see 
her. But, child alive, do you s’pose I’d take 
money for hauling a friend anywhere ? Ain’t 
you Eli’s folks ? Ain’t Eli mine ? Ain’t you 
from New Hampshire, any way ? Why, it’s 
been a favor to fetch you, an’ all the obligation 
is on my side. More’n that, if ever you need — 
but I’ve said it once. Though a good story’ll 
bear repeating. Don’t forget it, that’s all. I 
’low the Madam will be mighty pleased to hear 
you’ve found things so nice ; and, likely, you’ll 
see me again ’fore long. Durin’ towerist-time 
I gen’ally get a job this way pretty often.” 

The Senora had remained quietly listening ; 
now she spoke again to the liveryman and with 
a much more respectful accent. 

44 You mean, my good man, that you have 
rendered the little Senorita, the daughter of 


A MOONLIGHT VISITOR 


151 


my daughter, this service out of the regard, 
only? 

“ Exactly, ma’am. I mean, Seenory. She’ll 
tell you all about it. Some of my folks are 
her folks, too, and it’s all right. I wish you 
well, ma’am. I wish you both well, and good- 
by.” 

“ But your supper, Mr. Mason ! Don’t go 
without your supper ! ” called Edith, earnestly. 
“ And I haven’t really thanked you at all ! ” 

u Is it so, Senor — ah — Mason. For one to 
visit in kindness at Santa Bosa, yet go away 
unfed, that is impossible. It is this way we 
pass, if you please, Senor.” 

Her pride had now been banished by her 
hospitality, and though she still felt herself im- 
measurably superior to the hackman, none of 
this feeling was manifested in her manner. 

Further resistance would be rudeness, and 
Eleazer was no more capable of that than the 
lady of the mansion herself. Making his most 
polite and, therefore, his stiffest bow, he per- 
mitted Edith to take his hand again and lead 
him after the Senora to the table under the 
palm tree. 

Here were chairs in waiting that looked as if 


152 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

they might themselves be outgrowths of the 
garden, so weather-worn were they and — alas ! 
so rickety ! The first one Eleazer essaying 
just quietly giving way beneath him, as if with 
the same noiseless courtesy that marked the 
mistress’ own manner. 

She w T as not disturbed by the accident and 
gracefully nodded toward another, which Mr. 
Mason wisely tested before using. Edith was 
made to sit beside her grandmother and could 
not keep from her own honest eyes her astonish- 
ment at the food placed before them ; and her 
thoughts flew back to Maria’s bountiful larder 
and a picture of Eli’s face had he been requested 
to satisfy his hunger here. 

A fine, but well-darned napkin covered the 
center of the warped table, and upon this were 
placed a few dishes of rare china, with a silver 
goblet and pitcher. The silver was dingy and 
the water had lost its sparkle, while the only 
eatables in sight were some pieces of hard dried 
meat with a small, equally uninviting, pile of 
biscuits. 

Edith glanced in dismay at Eleazer and saw 
his eyes twinkling, nor did it tend to her com- 
posure that he suddenly gave her a start- 


A MOONLIGHT VISITOR 


153 


ling wink and ejaculated, under his breath : 
“ Eli ! ” 

However, the Senora found nothing wanting 
or out of common ; and while her guests tried 
their utmost to do justice to her hospitality — 
and nearly choked themselves in the attempt 
— she entertained them with discourse about her 
garden. This, evidently, was the great delight 
of her life, and every plant in it appeared to 
have its own history. 

“ That date palm, shading the well-curb, was 
set there by, probably, the very first settler 
here. The Garcelons were almost the first good 
family to follow him and make a home. We 
still enjoy the fruits of his goodness. And the 
white rosebush, yon — see ? The very first 
Rosa of San Rosa thrust down the cutting with 
her own white hand. That cactus — eh ? What ? 
So soon? Why not the night here, Senor 
Mason, since you have brought me the daughter 
of my daughter — almost another Jesuita ! to 
cheer my old age ? To all of the household it 
will great pleasure give,” she finished, as 
Eleazer’s rising terminated her floral descriptions. 

“ Thank you, ma’am — I mean, Seenory. But 
I must be gettin’ along. I’m much obliged to 


154 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

you for my supper and if I can do any arrant 
for you down to the city I hope you’ll let me. 
I’d admire to serve you, if I can. As for you, 
Edith, just count me same’s your own folks ; 
and if you should be writing home to Siss- 
missit tell Eli I’m here and have grown up 
about as homebly as I ’spect he has ! But I’ve 
got two rooms in my shanty and he’s welcome 
to one of ’em if he’ll come and take it.” 

“ I’ll tell him,” laughed Edith. 

Then her grandmother slipped an arm about 
her waist and answered Eleazer’s offer : 

“ But there is an errand, yes. The lad, 
Alarico. It may be that he is known to the 
Senor Mason, for he is often in the city ; or else 
he is posing here on the porch when the star- 
ing visitors drive up. He says he means not 
they shall be disappointed of their trouble,” 
and she smiled indulgently. u Should you meet 
him along the way, ten thousand thanks, Senor 
Mason, to remind him that his unknown 
cousin has arrived. While his father sails the 
sea he is the representative of his house. I, the 
mother of his father, require his presence at 
San Bosa, yes.” 

Edith’s eyes were upon the Senora’s face. 


A MOONLIGHT VISITOR 


155 


Accustomed to the harsher speech of the north, 
the soft enunciation of the southerner was like 
music in her ears. Already she felt an almost 
adoring love for her beautiful grandmother and 
a firm belief that her character was equally 
flawless. She recalled Madam Eastman’s tone 
of contempt with indignation and resolved to 
change that lady’s opinion entirely. 

In another moment Eleazer’s surrey disap- 
peared behind the house, on its way back to the 
city, and, with a little shiver, Senora Garcelon 
led the way indoors. 

“ Under the roof always after nightfall. In 
California it is not anything by a half. It is day 
or it is night. The one is for waking and en- 
joyment ; the other for sleep. Marta ! Attend 
your cousin, heart’s dearest ! See if she needs 
anything we can supply. Things are not as 
rich at Santa Rosa now, my child, as in the 
days when your mother wedded and left it. 
Even then they were far poorer than in the 
days before. But we are still the Gracelons. 
Remember that ! Good night. Sleep well. A 
kiss, my dove, my little one ! ” 

With an odd feeling that she had been dis- 
missed like a naughty child, but too tired to 


156 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

consider the matter further, Edith took Marta’s 
rather soiled little hand and went down the 
long stretch of rooms to her own. 

A frayed and coarse towel had been added to 
the preparations for the bath and a piece of soap 
such as Maria would have disdained for even 
laundry purposes ; and though these were but 
trifles they were enough to make the girl realize 
that the new life upon which she had entered 
was to be indeed, entirely different from what 
she had known or anticipated. Her heart sank 
with a fresh access of homesickness, and rather 
hastily sending Marta away — the child had not 
uttered a word — she made her preparations and 
went to bed. 

u Such a bed ! It’s like the soap and the 
towel ! ” she thought as she fell asleep. 

A few hours later she woke suddenly, with 
the idea that somebody had called her. But 
there was absolute stillness all about her, and 
for a few moments she remained quiet, listen- 
ing, and accustoming herself to the strangeness 
of the place. Through the uncurtained win- 
dows the moonlight flooded the apartment, 
making everything distinct almost as by day- 
light. 


A MOONLIGHT VISITOR 


157 


“ How beautiful ! I never saw such moon- 
light ! ” she exclaimed, and raised herself upon 
her elbow to look out over the mesa. 

Then a shadow seemed to pass between her 
and the radiance without, and turning back 
again for another nap, her glance fell on the 
noW open doorway. There, motionless and 
silent, stood a blanket- wrapped figure, intently 
watchful ; and though the intruder’s face was 
hidden by the folds of the blanket that covered 
the head, Edith fancied she could see the gleam- 
ing of two piercing black eyes. 

Surprise kept her, also, silent for a brief space 
of time ; and when she had rallied courage 
enough to speak, terror again prevented as the 
veiled visitor, with a curious hobbling gait, 
strode straight forward to the bed. 


CHAPTER X 


ALARICO ENTERTAINS 

Edith was too frightened for movement, yet 
amid all her fear there was an intense curiosity 
as to what would follow, and the outcry she 
\yould have uttered died upon her lips. 

The figure paused beside the bed for a brief 
time, then a pair of thin hands were extended 
from the blanket and held above the girl’s head 
while a cracked, unpleasant voice murmured 
some unintelligible sounds. 

Evidently, no personal harm was intended 
her, so Edith plucked up courage to demand : 

“ Who are you, please ? and what do you 
want ? ” 

In very good English now, interspersed by 
a few Spanish phrases, the quavering voice re- 
plied : 

u La Sabia, Susana, la Profetisa. What the 
Senorita will ? I kiss your feet. I welcome 
you. I have waited long, is it not ? But at the 
end I behold you. In your small hands lie the 

158 


ALARICO ENTERTAINS 


159 


fortunes of the Garcelons. Your slender finger- 
tips have strength to remove the mountains and 
let loose the flood which shall overflow the mesa 
and the valley. You come to shed the light 
of prosperity upon the poverty-darkened rancho. 
In the name of your dead ancestors I make you 
welcome, light of my eyes, beloved of my last 
days. To rest. Sleep well. Adios ! ” 

The long speech ended, the old woman — the 
Prophetess as she called herself — turned slowly 
about and vanished from the room. But the 
u good sleep ” she had advised did not again 
come to the astonished stranger, who lay awake 
till morning, speculating about her queer visitor 
and finally deciding that she must be some crazy 
person. With amusement she reflected : 

“ How absurd to fancy that I — I — could re- 
pair the damaged fortunes of my family ! Well, 
her tone was kind and I’ll find out all about her 
as soon as I get up. My ! what a hard bed ! 
The mattress is no thicker than one of Maria’s 
comfortables, and such a funny bedstead. No 
springs or slats to hold the bedding up, nothing 
but some criss-crossed ropes. I wonder if my 
home folks are thinking of me as I of them. 
There, Edith Hale ! stop that ! here you are and 


160 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

here you must do — whatever is to do. Grand- 
father bade me remember that there is a duty 
set for every hour of everybody’s life, and that 
to perform it well is to be happy. Wise, pre- 
cious old man ! But c duty ’ isn’t half so nice a 
word as 1 pleasure ’ though I do mean to make 
somebody glad because I’m here. Ah ! it’s grow- 
ing light, all at once, just as the night came down. 
That’s what my pretty grandmother said. I 
wonder if my mother looked like her. I wonder 
if she was as homesick for Santa Rosa as I am 
for Sissmissit. Pshaw ! in another moment I’ll 
be crying like a baby. I’ll go look out at the 
mesa and the mountains.” 

It was, indeed, through a burst of very natural 
tears that the exile beheld her first California 
sunrise, but the outlook was so lovely that she 
speedily forgot everything else and stood gazing 
eastward till she heard the sound of childish 
voices in the garden without. Then she made 
haste to dress and set open all the windows and 
the door. The windows were small and opened 
sidewise upon rusty hinges, w T hile the heavy 
door w^as so loose upon its supports that it 
scraped a little trench in the earthen floor as it 
was forced ajar. 


ALARICO ENTERTAINS 


161 


“ The house as well as the family fortunes 
need repairing ! ” laughed Edith, as she stepped 
out upon the porch and into the immediate 
center of all the children. 

“ Good morning, cousins ! How many are 
you and who are you ? which is which, I mean. 
Ah ! Marta — I know you, and little Dolores, 
and ” 

w Not Alarico, yes ! ” demanded a deeper voice, 
as from behind a clump of manzanite there ap- 
peared a tall youth, bearing a monstrous, bou- 
quet of every sort of flower, it seemed, hastily 
bunched together without regard to form or 
color. 

“ Alarico ? The 4 head of the family,’ as 
grandmother said. Are you he, indeed ? ” 

The tall fellow bent low over the hand so 
frankly extended, but instead of shaking it, as 
the easterner expected, kissed it rapturously, 
exclaiming : 

44 Now, indeed, has the sun arisen ! San Rosa 
glows with pride to be so favored. I kiss your 
feet. I serve you. I make myself your slave, 
I — Alarico Maria Constantino Garcelon. I bid 
you welcome, most beautiful of cousins.” 

The lad might have stepped out of some old ro- 


162 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

mance, so stilted was liis speech, so artificial his 
whole manner ; and Edith, who loved sim- 
plicity above all things, could not repress her 
laughter. 

“ Shades of our mutual ancestors ! Is that 
the way you talk down here ? ” 

But the delight with which she clasped the 
huge nosegay in her arms forbade the high-flown 
youth to take offense, though he looked into 
her honest eyes with astonishment. 

“ The laughter of my cousin is as musical as 
the sound of her speech.” Here Alarico bowed 
profoundly. “ Behold, is it not that we are as 
foreigners to one another ? That eastern — north- 
ern — place where dwell the people of my uncle- 
in-law — it is not as Santa Bosa. That the fair 
Senorita will soon behold.” 

“ Oh, indeed ! I see it already. But, let’s 
understand each other right away. Just talk 
plain English and say what we mean — no more. 
I’m ever so glad to know you all and I wish 
you’d tell me who is who. Marta, you little 
thoughtful, come kiss me ! And that baby — I 
heard somebody call him Juan. I want to kiss 
him, too. He is the very sweetest thing I ever 
saw ! ” 


ALARICO ENTERTAINS 


163 


w The sweetest? Then Edithe has not yet 
glanced into a mirror ! ” 

Edith lifted the little one, whom Marta led 
toward her and handing her flowers to another 
small cousin, started down the porch, still car- 
rying him. The child dropped his long lashes 
and his shyness seemed the finishing touch to 
his wonderful beauty. Yet he nestled his head 
lovingly under her chin and the girl felt that 
however ridiculous her eldest cousin might be 
the youngest was worth traveling far to see. 

Marta timidly clasped her new cousin’s skirt 
with one labor-stained hand and remarked, as 
if she were imparting some wonderfully impor- 
tant news : 

“ Our grandmother is waiting her own break- 
fast for you.” 

u Indeed ? How smart you are at Santa Rosa. 
Why, even at Sissmissit we are not so early, yet 
we are considered to be quite energetic. It 
must give you long, delightful days.” 

u It is execrable, yes,” murmured Alarico, who 
followed the little procession, bearing the huge 
bouquet which he had again taken from a small 
sister. “ Yet the Senora objects that a man 
shall enjoy himself ! Bah ! ” 


164 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ A man ? what man ? I thought you were 
the head of the house, while Uncle Alarico is 
away.” 

Edith glanced mischievously into her tall 
cousin’s face, and saw its rich color deepen. 
He was an exceedingly handsome youth, this 
bombastic Alarico, the second ; with the great 
liquid dark eyes, the olive skin, dark waving 
hair, and flashing white teeth which seemed a 
common heritage of the Garcelon family. But 
over his comeliness hung a sentimental air, oc- 
casionally dashed by bravado, that was infinitely 
amusing to practical Edith. 

u And am I not, why ? ” 

u I don’t know ‘ why,’ exactly. You spoke of 
a 4 man ’ and I guess you’re not so much older 
than I am. I don’t call myself a woman, yet.” 

The lad had no chance to reply for they had 
now reached the great room where the Senora 
awaited them, and Edith made haste to bid her 
good morning. 

The old adobe mansion formed three sides of 
a square, surrounding the court or garden. The 
fourth side was completed by the pear-cactus 
hedge, and it was in the western wing that the 
great dining-room was situated. No sunlight 


ALARICO ENTERTAINS 


165 


reached it till late in the day and as Edith en- 
tered it a real chill struck through her and she 
exclaimed, as soon as her salutation had been 
given : 

u Do let me fetch you a shawl, grandmother ? 
In that thin dress and this air you will take 
cold.” 

u Why no, heart’s dearest. I was never so 
foolish in my life. Take cold ? That is what 
the people of my son-in-law, David, were prone 
to do. Jesuita, poor dove ” She sighed pro- 

foundly, and regarded Edith with even keener 
scrutiny than on the night before. “ You are 
like her. You are more like her than I thought, 
even. But there is a David in you, too ; ” and 
again she sighed. This time with more annoy- 
ance than regret, Edith fancied, and with her 
natural abruptness, she asked : 

“Didn’t you like my father, grandmother?” 

“ Does one c like ’ those who steal away their 
happiness? Yet ask no questions, child, that 
will be difficult to answer. That life should be 
smooth, yes, one must avoid the unpleasant. 
The breakfast. Take the place beside me. 
Alarico ! ” 

The youth came, bent low above the white 


166 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

hand his grandmother held toward him and 
kissed it, humbly. Then he lifted himself and 
looked inquiringly into the Senora’s eyes. 

“ The ne’er-do-well of all the Garcelons pros- 
trates himself before her who ne’er-did-ill. Is 
there forgiveness for the fault, grandmother 
beautiful ? ” 

Edith’s own brown eyes were opened to their 
widest, and glancing toward her the Senora 
smiled and tapped the tall head of her grand- 
son. 

“ The little lady of the north is amazed by 
your behavior, pride of my soul. It is not yet 
she understands us and our manner. Her own 
— she has much to learn, but first she must be 
happy. To be happy one must be comfortable. 
To be comfortable one must eat when food is 
ready, is it not ? Your place, Alarico, beloved, 
and yours, Edith, heart’s dearest.” 

There were two tables in that end of the 
room where the floor yet remained in fair re- 
pair ; at the other and larger end the planks 
were broken and splintered, or in some spots 
quite wanting ; so that one who would cross 
that space must step down upon the earth be- 
tween the joists. One of the tables was large 


ALARICO ENTERTAINS 


167 


and bare. It held a row of bowls and one big 
platter on which was a heap of something 
which resembled the hasty-pudding that made 
Maria’s wash-day luncheon. There were no 
chairs about this table and a child promptly 
placed itself before each bowl, waiting with 
folded hands for the Senora’s signal to begin. 

At the smaller table spread with the same 
napkin which had done service at Eleazer’s 
supper, was a pot of coffee, a pile of sweet 
cakes, and a dish of fresh figs. Edith’s chair 
was placed beside her grandmother’s, while 
that for Alarico stood opposite. When all was 
ready, the lady bowed her head reverently and 
repeated a brief grace, then leaned back in her 
chair and lifted her hand. 

Instantly, Marta, who presided at the chil- 
dren’s table, commenced to dish the pudding into 
the bowls and a deafening chatter of tongues be- 
gan. The noise distracted Edith’s own atten- 
tion but seemed not at all to affect either of 
her immediate companions. She wondered 
why they were waiting, but this was evidently 
for Ysidra, who presently came in and stepping 
to her mother’s chair poured the coffee and 
passed the cakes. 


168 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

Edith looked up a^id greeted the silent 
woman with a bright : “ Good morning ! ” which 
received no other recognition than a mumbled 
sort of grunt. Nor did either the Senora or 
her grandson vouchsafe Ysidra any greater at- 
tention than if she had been a hired servant. 
Although she was Alarico’s mother and the 
daughter-in-law of Dona Rosa, her position in 
the household seemed a much lower one than 
Maria’s at the parsonage. 

It was all very puzzling and unsatisfactory to 
the newcomer ; as unsatisfying, indeed, as the 
breakfast itself to her hearty appetite, accus- 
tomed to the abundance of a typical New Eng- 
land table. But she made what she could of 
the situation, resolving that should her hunger 
become too insistent she would seek her aunt 
Ysidra in her kitchen and demand at least a 
slice of bread and butter. 

Breakfast over, the Senora rose and bidding 
Alarico : 

“ Make yourself the entertainer of your 
cousin Edith, beloved. It will be much that 
is new. At midday, bring her to me in the 
arbor of passion-flowers. It is there we will 
dine. Kiss me, Jesuita’s daughter. And do 


ALARICO ENTERTAINS 


169 


not feel, I entreat yon, that you are less dear 
to me because for a little space I withdraw my- 
self from the world. Those who are old must 
give the more time to their devotions. At 
midday, heart’s dearest, we meet again.” 

Alarico rose, pushed aside his grandmother’s 
chair and bowed his head respectfully while 
she glided from the room, with that peculiar 
noiseless movement which was so new to 
Edith’s experience. Even the younger chil- 
dren became quiet as she left them and did not 
again resume their chatter till, having seen a 
door on the opposite side of the court close be- 
hind the Senora, the girl Marta waved her hand 
and shouted : 

“ To your play, little ones ! ” 

They scattered like children let loose from 
school, with all the noise so many healthy 
youngsters were capable of making, but soon 
collected in a group without the porch, eying 
their new cousin with undisguised curiosity. 
If they were strange to her, she was equally so 
to them, and belonged, they judged, in the same 
class with the staring tourists who came so fre- 
quently to Santa Rosa. Tourists were beneath 
the notice of any Garcelon ; they had learned 


170 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

that along with their first speech ; but, at the 
same time, tourists had often gifts of small coin 
or candy in their pockets and on that ground 
were not wholly despicable. Even Eleazer, 
who knew their habits, had brought a bag of 
sweets in his wagon yesterday. It. might be 
that this odd girl, who wore a plain woolen 
gown and her hair in a braid, and was in all 
respects so different from themselves, yet was 
said to be of their own family — even she might 
have something delectable in that trunk of 
hers which had not yet been opened. 

“If it will please my cousin, the broncho, 
Terror, will be honored by her visit. Shall we 
go to the stable, no ? ” 

“ A broncho ! Have you one ? ” 

Evidently this was of vital interest to Alar- 
ico. His manner became more natural — or like 
that to which Edith was accustomed in other 
boys — and he exclaimed : 

“ Have I not ! the very finest one in all the 
Californias ! ” 

“It must be a splendid animal, then ? This 
is a land of good horses, is it not ? ” 

“ In truth, yes. But my Terror — wait ! It 
is my happiness and his to serve. A drive 


ALARICO ENTERTAINS 


171 


this fairest of mornings, eh ? Will that please 
the little Senorita, my cousin of the north ? ” 
Edith stopped on the path around the rear 
of the adobe that led to an outlying stable of 
the same material. The stable was in far worse 
condition than the main building of the rancho, 
but Alarico later assured her that it had once 
been full to overflowing with the purest thor- 
oughbreds of the country. 

u See here, boy. Don’t speak so extrava- 
gantly. I’d like to be good friends, real jolly 
comrades. You look as if you had some fun 
in you but I can’t talk on stilts any more than 
I can walk on them. I’ve said it before, but 
you seem to forget. Plain English, please, and 
I’m with you for every good time that’s going.” 

The lad tossed back his head and laughed. 
He was inimitably graceful and Edith felt her- 
self awkward enough in comparison ; but she 
did not forget that she had come to Santa Rosa 
to live — not merely visit — and she longed to find 
something familiar. At present she seemed a 
stranger in a positively foreign land. 

“ The good time, is it ? Come on ! It shall 
be yours ! ” 

He caught her hand with a joyous speed and 


172 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

started at a run for a little paddock beyond 
the stable. Within the enclosure a diminutive 
horse was quietly grazing, but it pricked up its 
ears at Alarico’s call, and after a moment’s 
apparent scrutiny of the stranger, paced sedately 
toward the gate. 

From his pocket the youth produced a lump 
of salt and, holding it to the broncho’s lips, 
clutched the creature’s mane with his free 
hand. By this time most of his brothers and 
sisters had also arrived, and with a masterful 
condescension he permitted, or ordered : 

w The cart, Esteban ! Step away, little Juan ! 
Babies should be tied to their another’s apron 
strings. Haste, haste, Beatriz ! The whip ! 
The riata, my Carlos ! It is for the daughter of 
the Senora who is dead that we make pleasure. 
Si?” 

The helpers might readily have explained 
that even without the excuse of entertaining 
the new cousin the youth was quite accustomed 
to make pleasure for himself ; and they served 
him as those who could readily anticipate his 
demands. 

When all was ready Alarico caught the rope- 
patched reins in one hand and extended the 


ALARICO ENTERTAINS 


173 


other to Edith, bowing profoundly as he did 
so. She touched the hand but lightly, how- 
ever, and sprang easily to the seat upon the 
low wagon, a sort of compromise in form be- 
tween a buckboard and a trotting gig. The 
seat was loose and would have thrown her to 
the ground had not she caught at the low dash- 
board and so saved herself; yet it balanced 
well enough when Alarico had taken his own 
place beside her, and with a low spoken : 
“ Vamos ! ” urged the sedate-looking animal into 
a gentle trot. 

“ Oh ! this is lovely ! But — I have forgot- 
ten my hat ! Though if it’s only around this 
sort of meadow it doesn’t matter much.” 

With an odd smile Alarico caught his own 
ragged sombrero from his head and deftly 
placed it upon his cousin’s. 

u It adds the one thing needed,” he said gal- 
lantly, and bowed again. 

“ Alarico, you are the strangest boy I ever 
saw. Please save your poor neck any more 
trouble on my account. We’ll consider the 
obeisances all made. And is this a broncho ? 
Why, I thought they were fast ! This fellow 
that you call a Terror would match old Derry 


174 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

for slowness. And lie seems too little to drag 
the wagon over this stubble, with we two in 
it.” 

“Ah! So? Your hand to your head, fair 
cousin, or your new headgear may take wings.” 
Then he leaned forward and whispered a few 
Spanish phrases in the Terror’s ears which 
immediately responded by a slight waving to 
and fro. It was the creature’s manner of say- 
ing : “ I understand ! ” 

“ Then — go ! Go — like the bird you must 
beat.” 


CHAPTER XI 


A DRIVE AND A WALK 

Terror went. 

Edith remained in the wagon by holding fast 
to any part of it which presented ; her clutch 
being loosened from time to time by its fright- 
ful bouncings. When she could catch her 
breath she gasped : 

“ Please, not so fast ; I take it back ! He 
isn’t slow — he’s — he’s horrible ! ” 

“ He’s fine ! ” 

u Oh, yes ! I admit ! But — slower, please — 
please — I shall fall out ! ” 

“ You mustn’t ! You’d be killed. My 
shoulder — I can stick — the dashboard — any- 
thing. No ! don’t touch the reins ! let the 
Senorita trust to me, and be patient. Yes. The 
road in a minute. We are coming to the 
road.” 

They struck it presently, a level track across 

the mesa, soft and dusty, but far smoother than 

175 


176 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

the unbroken ground over which they had 
passed to reach it. Edith drew a long breath and 
relaxed her frantic hold of her cousin’s firmly 
braced shoulder, but he felt the loosening of 
her fingers and ordered : 

“ Don’t ! Cling tight ! The canon — the 
narrow trail ! He is— wild — to-day.” 

Alarico’s manner was now quite simple 
enough to satisfy even the New Englander, but 
one glance into his face showed her why this 
was so. He was frightened ! The stupid-look- 
ing broncho had developed a spirit of vicious- 
ness beyond anything even his master had 
hitherto seen, and was heading at reckless speed 
toward the point where the mesa ended abruptly 
above a deep and rocky canon, along the side 
of which ran a narrow wheel track. 

By this road, on many a previous day, the 
animal had been driven toward a ranch in the 
valley which was famous as an ostrich farm, 
as well as for the raising of fine horses. Upon 
a race-track there he had been practising for a 
race that was certainly unique ; for his two 
opponents in the case were a bicycler and an 
ostrich. 

Thus far the huge bird had always been victor, 


A DRIVE AND A WALK 


177 


though the little Terror had been steadily gain- 
ing upon the distance between them, and of 
late had seemed to comprehend and take an 
almost human interest in what was required of 
him. Doubtless it was with some memory of 
former urgings that he now sped forward toward 
the valley-ranch and the familiar track. Not 
for him to care what befell those who rode be- 
hind him. His blood was up, the trail was 
sufficiently wide for his own passage, and if the 
wagon chanced to overturn, what was that to 
him ? 

The descent was steep and unbroken, though 
the road had been made to cut the canon wall 
diagonally, with occasional wider spaces where 
meeting vehicles might pass. At each of these 
places Alarico attempted to check the broncho’s 
speed, but his hands were powerless to do so, 
though they still clung firmly to the reins. His 
greatest dread was at the foot of the slope, 
where the road almost doubled upon itself, 
making a turn across the only passable point in 
the canon bottom, and so onward into the valley 
beyond. 

“ Hold tight ! For your life ! Tight- 
tight ! ” whispered the lad, hoarsely, as they 


178 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

reached this bottom of the slope and the turn 
of the road. 

Edith’s eyes were shut, for she could not 
bear to look upon what promised destruction ; 
and they remained closed for some moments 
after the blow came. So long, indeed, that 
Alarico bent over her and earnestly implored 
her : 

“ Don’t die, my cousin ! Oh ! my little cousin, 
wake up — wake up ! The heart of our Grand- 
mother will be broken ! Ah ! Ah ! The pity, 
the pity ! ” was the startling fact to which she 
awoke. 

“ Why — what has happened ? ” she asked, 
looking around upon a mass of rock-pinks into 
which she had been thrown. “ Oh ! I see. 
He tipped us out. A Terror, indeed. Are you 
hurt ? Am I, I wonder ? ” 

There was no answer from this strange boy 
who was now upon his knees, lialf-crying, half- 
laughing, and murmuring devout thanksgivings 
in his soft, native tongue. 

Surprised by his emotion but touched by the 
sight of his posture, Edith, also, gave thanks, 
though silently, in the depths of her heart and 
not with her lips. Then having finished his 


A DRIVE AND A WALK 


179 


devotions, Alarico sprang up and held his 
hands toward her. 

“ Let us see, light of our old adobe, how far 
you are safe. If no bones are broken, Car* 
amba ! ” 

She laughed and rose, almost as lightly as 
himself, but for a moment afterward saw things 
about her somewhat confusedly. Then her 
head began to clear, and she gazed about with 
a glowing admiration. 

“We have one thing to thank that horrid 
beast for — he threw us over in as lovely a spot 
as he could find. Oh ! how beautiful it is ! ” 

Before them stretched one of the most fertile 
and well-cultivated valleys of Southern Cali- 
fornia. On either side the arroyo, or river of 
sand, lay orange groves, varied by plantations 
of walnut, lemon, and olive. White houses 
and big barns dotted the landscape and these 
looked as if they might have been transplanted 
from New England itself, with their green 
blinds and white palings and general air of 
comfort. But there were no creeks or streams 
visible and so many windmills reared their slen- 
der shafts that Edith again exclaimed : 

“It might be Holland — with a difference. 


180 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

But that strip of sand, that you folks call a 
river, I should think would suck up all the 
moisture the windmills could produce. Is 
there ever water in it, really ? ” 

u After the rains, you should see it ! What 
are the bridges but bits of straw that are car- 
ried down like its own foam ? But look yon- 
der, if you will. See that great cluster of 
houses, where the windmills are thickest? It 
was there I was going, had not Terror prevent- 
ed, to show you the ostriches and how I can 
race them.” 

“ An ostrich farm ? Oh ! how interesting ! 
Can’t we go, any way ? ” 

Alarico regarded her critically; taking the 
measure of her endurance, as it were, before he 
replied : 

“ It might be a matter of three miles.” 

In reality it was six ; but it was not the lad’s 
way to put anything at its worst unless he 
could gain some advantage by so doing. This 
time the advantage was quite on the other side, 
and beneath all his suavity he was inwardly 
chafing because he had brought along this 
stranger, to be a restriction upon the freedom of 
his own movements. 


A DRIVE AND A WALK 181 

u Three ? It doesn’t look more than the 
quarter of one to me.” 

u That is the atmosphere ; one of the matters 
the tourists rave about.” 

“ Poor tourists ! with what supreme contempt 
you all speak of them ? ” 

They were now seated upon some rocks 
which the mat-like pink had covered with its 
sprays like a great cushion, and Edith was re- 
plaiting the loose braid which the wind and the 
jolting had undone. Alarico watched the 
operation with interest, thinking how pretty and 
abundant the fair hair was and that the having 
such a cousin always at San Rosa would make 
the place far brighter than he had ever known 
it. At the same time he wondered how she 
was going to like it, and again wished that he 
had left her behind to try. 

Suddenly she turned toward him and re- 
marked : 

“Don’t look so disconsolate, Alarico! I’m 
not going to be a hindrance to you. I’ll either 
go back or forward, as you decide.” 

“ So good, yes ? But it is only Terror. If he 
were here ” 

“Let’s sit a while and then go after him. 


182 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

I’m a great walker. If it’s but three miles, 
that’s nothing. I easily do ten — at home.” 

Her quick guess at his feeling had brought a 
flush to the lad’s cheek, but this subsided and a 
real regret was in his next words : 

“ Is it not the home, then, our beloved San 
Rosa ? Are you not Garcelon as well as we ? 
Has your childhood in the colder land made you 
a Yankee forever ? Dona Rosa will be unhappy 
so. Is it not the blood that is thicker than water, 
yes ? So I hope, Edithe, my cousin.” 

“ Of course it is. Let us have a good talk to- 
gether, Alarico ; and by the way, I never can 
stop to say all that long name each time I speak. 
Can’t I call you Larry ? ” 

“ Whatever the Senorita calls is music.” 
u Nonsense ! Beg pardon, but I’m not used 
to so many compliments and I don’t like them. 
They make me feel so silly. Let’s be sensible. 
We are the nearest of age in the household and 
should be the best of friends. There are lots 
of things I want to ask you. First of all, who 
and what was the strange old woman who came 
to my room in the middle of the night and bade 
me welcome in — in even more extravagant lan- 


A DRIVE AND A WALK 


183 


guage than your own ? She frightened me dread- 
fully.” 

“ Frightened you ? She shall be punished ! ” 

u Nothing of the sort. She seemed harmless, 
and I was frightened but for a moment. Who is 
she ? This Susana, as she called herself ? ” 

“ An old Indian woman. One of the many 
hangers-on at San Rosa. I do not remember 
when she began to come. She was here at my 
birth, I believe, and long before. She is not 
right up here,” and he touched his forehead 
significantly. 

“ I did not see her this morning, though I 
was curious to do so.” 

u You may not again for weeks. Yet I don’t 
know. She has long foretold your arrival, 
fairest cousin, and that it was to make all dif- 
ferent for the old rancho. She said — it is not 
the impertinence, no ? But she said you were 
to bring wealth in your hands.” 

“ The silly old woman ! I wish I might have 
brought it, if there is need and I fancied — beg 
pardon, again — that our Grandmother is not 
herself a wealthy person.” 

“In the days that are past San Rosa was 
famous from San Francisco to Sonora. You 


184 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

shall hear about your people, cousin mine, and 
hold your golden head the higher ever after- 
ward.” 

u Oh ! my head is high enough, already. 
Humility is not one of my especial virtues. 
Well, this is the extent of the riches I have 
brought ! ” and she laughingly tossed him her 
very flat little purse. 

He caught it, bowed, and placed it within 
his own pocket. Then he lay back upon the 
vines, clasping his hands behind his head and 
fairly basking in the sunshine which streamed 
over him, while his dark eyes fixed themselves 
unblinkingly upon the brilliant sky into which 
Edith could not glance without squinting. She 
thought she had never seen any person, except 
her Grandmother, as handsome as he or as — in- 
dolent. In her opinion the indolence rendered 
the beauty almost repellent. But he began to 
talk and she immediately forgot all but what 
he was saying. 

“ La Profetisa knew the first settler himself. 
She was his servant. She knew the secrets of 
this land and one which, she claims, you are to 
discover. She .” • 

“ But, Larry ! That would make her much 


A DRIVE AND A WALK 


185 


over a hundred years old ! I know enough 
history to compute that.” 

“ Well, so ? Is it not truth ? Are there not 
many old men and women all about us who 
are one hundred and ten, fifteen, even one 
hundred and forty years old ? ” 

u I wouldn’t spoil a good story for the sake 
of a few years more or less ! ” 

“ Nor I. It is the truth. Upon my honor, 
the honor of a Garcelon ! ” 

“ Afterward, Edith was to learn that he had 
but slightly exaggerated and to see in proper 
person some of these extremely venerable Cali- 
fornians at whose existence she now scoffed. 

“Very well. I’ll grant she’s a thousand, if 
it will give you any pleasure. Let’s get on to 
the secret I am to discover, and thereby enrich 
my household. That’s what you mean, isn’t 
it?” 

“ Yes. But yes, indeed. I have always heard 
it, always. 4 When the daughter of the daughter 
comes from the north to her own, in her hand 
will lie the key to an illimitable wealth.’ 
That’s the way it is expressed, always. I pro- 
fess not, I, to understand it ; but I repeat and 
— I believe.” 


186 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“You have my purse and here are my 
hands ! 77 laughed the girl, opening her palms for 
inspection. 

But Alarico merely frowned, and continued 
to gaze dreamily into the sky. From all ap- 
pearances he seemed satisfied to thus repose 
during the whole morning ; but Edith put an 
end to his laziness by remarking : 

“ I’m ready now for that three mile walk of 
ours. It may be that your Terror will have 
exhausted his own wickedness and be willing 
to behave himself on the road home. Do you 
think he would go straight to that ostrich farm 
you pointed out, and where you said you were 
due ? Only, if you have business there, and 
you prefer, there is still time, for you to tell me 
so and I’ll go back alone . 77 

Alarico sprang to his feet as if indolence 
were a thing unknown. Bending a merry, yet 
piercing gaze upon his cousin’s face, he de- 
manded : 

u Can you keep a secret for me, too, most 
clever? You who are the holder of a greater 
mystery? For I would like to tell it — it burns 
in my heart, when the intelligence that compre- 
hends is so near.” 


A DRIVE AND A WALK 


187 


“ I’d keep a secret or do any other reasonable 
thing you ask if you’d only talk common 
sense.” 

“ Hear, then: I have made a challenge, I, 
that my Terror can run faster, than the famous 
ostrich of my neighbor, yonder. Pedro the 
Second, the only pacing ostrich in California — 
or, maybe, the whole United States.” 

u A challenge ? That is, you are going to 
race ? For a prize ? But that is wicked, Larry, 
and you’ll not take it even if you win ? ” 

“Will I not? What harm? Yet that’s as 
may be. Come. If it is to my sweet cousin to 
try the walk she will see what she has never 
seen in the cold country of New England. 
That is if she can, indeed, make so long a walk. 
For me, pouf ! it is naught. Yet three miles, 
in the sun, eh ? ” 

“I will show what New England training 
can do. However, I don’t begin in that way. 
I start very slowly and afterward go as fast as 
I please.” 

They set out together, and had it, in reality, 
been but three miles even Alarico, who hated 
walking, might have reached their goal un- 
wearied. But he now suffered the penalty of 


188 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

his own boasting. The further they advanced 
the further away seemed the group of buildings 
they sought. These were always in sight yet 
always receding ; and when, at length, the lad 
paused begging Edith to rest a moment, she 
turned upon him, indignantly : 

“ Why did you tell me such a foolish untruth, 
Larry ? That sounds rude and I’m sorry to say 
it ; but I have a habit of counting my foot- 
steps, and I know that we’ve already come much 
more than the three miles you said. Or am I 
mistaken in my judgment and were you mis- 
informed ? ” 

“ I have not measured the distance in that 
tiresome way, I ” 

“ Larry, did you ever walk so far before ? ” 

“For what does my — fair cousin — esteem her 
servant?” gasped he. For on mischief intent, 
Edith had led him a sharper pace than ever 
since her suspicions as to the distance became 
convictions. 

u I esteem you about the very poorest walker 
I ever knew. I shall have to give you some 
lessons in the art. But rest now, if you wish. 
I am eager to see the ostriches, and you mustn’t 
give out yet.” 


A DRIVE AND A WALK 


189 


u Give out ? Own to be beaten by a girl — 
even though such a girl ? But no. Not so ; ” 
and he swept her a bow. 

“ Come on, then ; before the day gets even 
warmer.” 

After that they talked no more, but plodded 
steadily on till they finally reached the entrance 
to San Pedro ; where, when Edith waited for 
her cousin to inquire about the missing Terror, 
he merely sank down upon the ground beneath 
a eucalyptus tree and promptly went to sleep — 
quite exhausted by his unaccustomed exertions. 


CHAPTER XII 


A NOVEL RACE 

Edith, also, was very glad to rest, and sat 
down upon a bench beside her prostrate cousin, 
while her gaze became instantly riveted upon 
the scene before her. 

“ I never saw anything so lovely in my life ! ” 
she exclaimed; and few had. For San Pedro 
was a typical Southern Californian ranch at its 
best. Its modern, well-constructed buildings 
were numerous enough to suggest a village, 
though their similarity of architecture and color- 
ing proved them to belong to one proprietor. 

Around the dwelling-house stretched green 
lawns among which were fountains playing, and 
until she saw them Edith had not realized how 
much she had hitherto missed the sight of water 
from the landscape. Certainly, on this favored 
bit of soil the precious water must be plentiful 
enough, for the buildings were half-embowered 
in vines and the mansion proper seemed as if it 


A NOVEL RACE 


191 


might have been made simply to sustain the 
weight of roses which clung to it. 

“ No, never anything one half so lovely. If 
only Aunty Comfort were here ! ” 

A bustle of life and activity was everywhere, 
and formed a sharp contrast to the decay and 
lethargy that had already impressed her so 
drearily at Santa Rosa. Men, scores of them, in 
cool and comfortable costumes moved briskly 
about, while beneath a row of pepper trees 
shading a courtyard were ranged several vehicles 
similar to that in which the girl had made her 
journey from the San Diego station to her grand- 
mother’s home. She wondered if all of these 
belonged to the master of San Pedro, but was 
not left long in doubt ; for an employee hur- 
rying by suddenly discovered Alarico and 
stopped. 

“ Well, young man ! How happened it your 
horse came here ahead of you ? Just in time, 
too. Though we began to think some other 
fellow would have to ride him.” 

Alarico sat up on the grass, and demanded : 

“ What do you mean ? I’d like to see him 
try ! ” 

“ Mean all right, that if you hadn’t come we 


192 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

shouldn’t have put off the race for want of your 
presence.” 

“ Put off the race ? It isn’t due for a week 
yet.” 

“ Are you out of your head ? Isn’t this the 
eleventh? ” 

“ No. But it can’t be, yes ? ” 

“Yes, but it can be, no ; ” mocked the ranch- 
man, though without malice. “ Half the tour- 
ists in the city are here already and the rest are 
coming. The press reporters, too, and by night- 
fall all the country will have read the result of 
the only ostrich race ever ridden in the United 
States. And you — you lazy Californian, you ! 
Do you mean to say you’d forgotten it ? ” 

“ I had made a mistake, yes. But to what 
end ? Am I not here ? Is not my Terror ar- 
rived? The sooner the better — for I’m going 
to win ! ” 

“You’ll make a good showing, maybe ; but 
you’ll no more win this race than I shall ; and I 
am — not going to ride in it.” 

Apparently, Alarico did not hear this, he cer- 
tainly did not heed it, for he sprang up excited, 
energetic, completely transformed. It did not 
seem to Edith that he and the languid youth 


A NOVEL RACE 


193 


she had hitherto seen could be the same person. 
He started on a run towards the stables, ask- 
ing: 

“ Where have they put him ? ” 

“ In a stall of Number Five. A vaquero has 
groomed him fit to suit the queen.” 

All her cousin’s gallantry had deserted him, 
and it was with some amusement that the New 
Englander looked about her, wondering what 
she was to do with herself till his return. But 
the ranchman solved her difficulty by remarking : 

“If you like I’ll go with you to the house and 
introduce you to some of the women-folks. 
The track’s off yonder, but a lot of them will be 
going over before the fun begins.” 

“ Thank you ; but I’d not like to be in the 
way. Alarico was bringing me to see the 
ostriches. He said nothing about the race till 
we were on the way, and he did not, I think, 
know it was for to-day. Could I not go and 
look at the birds, without disturbing anybody ? ” 
The man smiled. “ There’s no danger of be- 
ing in anybody’s way here on San Pedro ; and 
the boss is hospitality itself. I take it the 
broncho threw you two out of the wagon, 
didn’t he?” 


194 : A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Yes, somewhere in a canon, Alarico called 
it.” 

u Lucky you aren’t dead ; and you must be 
near that with fatigue if you’ve walked from 
that here. However, if you don’t care to go to 
the house, there’s a little pavilion at the bird- 
quarters. You see, it’s one of the sights down 
here, our ostrich farm is ; and so many visitors 
come to look at them that the boss built a 
little place for folks to get under cover and yet 
be able to watch. There’s a good view of the 
track from there, too, and the woman who tends 
always has a bucket of milk and some biscuit 
to serve the strangers. Guess that’s the best 
thing you can do.” 

His manner added : “ And I wish you’d do 

it right away ! ” 

Edith smiled, rose rather stiffly, and walked 
away with him, doing her utmost to keep pace 
with his long strides, and answering his brief 
questions with a corresponding brevity : 

u You belong to young Garcelon’s family? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Sister ? ” 

“ Cousin.” 

“ Stranger here, ain’t you ? ” 


A NOVEL RACE 


195 


.“Yes” 

“ Where from ? ” 

“ New England.” 

“ Must find this a change.” 

“Yes.” 

“ What do you think of old San Rosa ? ” 

“It’s very picturesque and — gone to ruin.” 

“ Right you are. One of the show places of 
the region, same as this is. Couldn’t be 
a greater contrast, though. Shame. They 
ought to be as rich as kings if they only had 
sense.” 

“ Are you speaking of my people ? ” 

“ Yes. Meaning no offense, but they will 
stand in their own light so. Best lay of land in 
the county theirs is, but just plain worthless 
without water.” 

“ How could they get water ? ” 

“ Easy. Irrigate. But, there, you’ll think 
I’m meddling. I’m not. I like that Alarico, 
lazy as he is, and if he’d only take as much in- 
terest in ^sensible things as lie does in petty, 
foolish ones, he’d make the old place as good as 
new. Easy. There ! That’s the pavilion. 
Just go right in and ask the woman there for a 
drink of milk, or anything you want. She’ll 


196 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

make you comfortable and show you a good 
place to see the fun. Good-by.” 

The ranchman raised his hat, as courteously 
as if it were not a ragged one and he a common 
helper on a western ranch, and hurried away. 
Yet it was not exactly like hurry after all, but 
a habit of making every moment and move- 
ment tell. This same haste without waste was 
apparent about every person belonging to San 
Pedro, as Edith soon discovered, and was, had 
she known it, one of the firmest rules the ranch 
owner had established for the conduct of his 
large force of employees. 

Even the woman at the ostrich pavilion, who 
was quite alone there as yet, seemed to have no 
time for loitering, though she approached Edith 
with a friendly smile, and the inquiry : 

“ Please tell me what I can do for you ? ” 

u I would be grateful for a drink of some sort. 
Water or milk. The man said I could find it 
here.” 

“ Surely.” 

The young woman paused in her task of sort- 
ing some very dirty-looking feathers to fetch 
the pitcher of milk and a plate of biscuits, which 
she set before the girl with a kindly nod. 


A NOVEL RACE 


197 


“Help yourself, please. We’re pretty busy 
here, today. All the time for that matter, 
though not like this. It’s the race, you see. It 
has been so well advertised and everybody is 
coming from the city, seems to me. It’s the 
height of the tourist season and they’re all always 
agog for new sights. Don’t blame them, either. 
Are you a tourist ? ” 

“Oh, no, indeed ! I’m just a — I’ve come to 
California to live with my grandmother.” 

“ It’s a pleasant country. But — it’s a great 
way from home ; ” said the other, lightly tap- 
ping the table with a long, light brown plume. 

“ Everybody seems so friendly.” 

“ Ought to be, I’m sure. Well. Do you 
think these feathers are as pretty as you ex- 
pected ? ” 

“ I think they are — horrid.” 

The attendant laughed. She was a clean, 
wholesome looking middle-aged body, in a neat 
gingham gown and spotless apron, while a 
dainty, be-ribboned cap set off her waving hair. 
She was so trim and brisk and sociable that 
Edith could not help contrasting her with the 
dowdy and melancholy Ysidra, who ruled over 
the domestic affairs at Santa Bosa. But she in- 


198 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

stantly dismissed the thought as ungrateful, or 
disloyal, and began to learn what she could 
about this, to her, new industry of ostrich farm- 
ing. 

“ But you’re as disappointed in the feathers as 
everybody else is. I see that. They do look 
dirty and almost worthless to strangers. Now, 
what would you say this becrumpled thing was 
worth ? ” 

“ I wouldn’t give five cents for it ! ” laughed 
the girl, taking it in her hand and stroking it 
gently. Then she began to realize how soft it 
was, how broad and full the barbs ; and added : 
“ That shows, I suppose, just how ignorant I 
am. The few ostrich plumes I’ve seen haven’t 
looked a bit like this.” 

u That is one of the finest we ever pulled. 
When it is dressed and made up it will be worth 
at least fifteen dollars. Even as it is I doubt if 
the manager will let it go under five dollars, 
though a good price is a dollar and a half, for 
ordinary run. Indeed, some don’t fetch nearly 
so much.” 

u Is it the dressing that makes them look as 
they do in the stores ? And do you fix them 
right here at the farm ? ” 


A NOVEL RACE 


199 


“ No. We sell them as they are, fresh. Get- 
ting them ready for market is another part of 
the industry. Now, if you like, I’ll show you 
the birds themselves.” 

Edith accompanied the woman to a long row 
of paddocks where the adult birds were kept 
singly, and received from the lips of her new 
acquaintance, “ enough information in about five 
minutes to make me a practical ostrich-farmer, 
myself,” as she afterward described the affair in 
a home letter. 

Then she was left to watch and study the 
great creatures, and to become so interested in 
them that she scarcely noticed how large a 
crowd of other visitors was gathering about her. 
When she did she returned to the pavilion and 
was assigned a fine seat for observation by the 
woman who presided over it, and who appeared 
to have taken as great a fancy to the girl as 
Edith had to her. 

For a time thereafter she was unconscious of 
her surroundings. Out upon a smooth track, 
whose circle reminded her of such seen at a 
county fair, were drawn up in line ; one of the 
ostriches, wearing a light harness and hitched 
before a trotting gig ; a man on a bicycle ; and 


200 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

— her cousin Alarico ! He bestrode Terror as 
if the little beast had never been anything but 
amiable and worthy of its rider’s confidence. 

From somewhere the lad had secured a jaunty 
cap and a gay scarf, and sat his diminutive 
steed as if he felt himself much admired and 
altogether admirable. But he seemed to be 
searching among the sea of faces, which had 
now gathered about the track and on a raised 
platform near it, for some one whom he did not 
see ; and fancying this to be herself Edith arose 
in her place and frantically waved her handker- 
chief. 

After a moment this caught his eye and 
rising in his stirrups he waved his red cap in 
return and made a most profound obeisance. 
Then she saw him take something brown from 
his belt and wave that, also, toward her. 

“ The silly boy ! That looks — it looks — like 
my hair-ribbon that blew off into the wagon 
and he picked up. I do believe he thinks he’s 
a knight and that’s his lady’s token ! My ! 
what a task I’ll have to make him act like 
other folks ! But he is handsome and — I sup- 
pose it’s wicked, I don’t believe grandfather’d 
like it, but I can’t help hoping he’ll win ! ” 


A NOVEL RACE 


201 


Then they were off, and because she ob- 
structed their view, some persons behind her 
pulled Edith down into her seat. But she did 
not look around. She had eyes only for those 
oddly matched contestants, and felt a distinct 
disappointment when at the conclusion of the 
first circuit, the gigantic bird came easily in 
ahead of his competitors. 

“Don Pedro w T ill be good for a short dis- 
tance, but if they keep it up he’ll fall behind,” 
said somebody ; and Edith’s hope revived. 

The prophecy was a true one. At the end 
of the second circuit the bird was about even 
with the horse and the wheel ; and the third 
and final trial was waited for in breathless 
expectancy. 

To a girl as enthusiastic as Edith there was 
something irresistible in the excitement all 
about her. The shouts and cheers thrilled her, 
and quite unconscious of what she was doing 
she shouted and cheered with the rest. 

People rose in their places, and she, also. 
Necks were craned forward, hats came off and 
were waved aloft; even the women unfurled 
their parasols and joined in the general outcry. 

u Pedro’s ahead ! Pedro ! Pedro ! ” 


202 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ The wheel ! the bicycle ! Cheer the wheel- 
man ! ” 

“ The broncho has it ! the broncho ! hur- 
rah ! The plucky little beast ! ” 

When only about a quarter of the course re- 
mained to be run the ostrich suddenly stopped. 
Stopped short and square, nor could the efforts 
of his driver make him budge an inch. By his 
own choice he had put himself out of the race, 
and a disappointed howl arose from throats 
already hoarse with yelling. However, it was 
only for an instant that attention was distract- 
ed before it returned to the horseman and the 
wheelman. For a few rods there was a tie be- 
tween these two ; then, very gradually, Terror 
gained. As he did so he seemed to realize his 
own advantage and to make a humanly intelli- 
gent “ spurt ” to increase it. 

u The broncho ! The little broncho ! He wins 
— Terror wins ! ” 

The shouts and yells and cheers redoubled as 
the horseman passed the stake a few lengths 
in advance of the wheelman ; and there was 
unlimited admiration for the handsome, Spanish- 
looking youth who stepped from his saddle, 
bowing gracefully and continuously toward all 


A NOVEL RACE 


203 


points of that circle of spectators. Yet he 
finally selected one spot for his profoundest 
salutation, and toward that he waved a long 
brown ribbon. 

Then many eyes turned from him to the fair- 
haired girl in the ragged sombrero, who had 
quite forgotten what was on her head, and 
smiled at her enthusiasm. When she at length 
realized that she was thus observed she blushed 
and dropped back into her place, while a thin 
hand clutched her sleeve and a voice, unmis- 
takably familiar addressed her from the rear : 

u Well, Edith Hale, when you’ve done salut- 
ing the victor, please say how-de-do to me ! ” 
u Why — Mrs. — Eastman ! ” 


CHAPTER XIII 


JOY AND GRIEF 

“Surprised to see me, are you? Well, you 
needn’t be, though I am to find you here. All 
the world’s at San Pedro to-day, to see this 
unique race. Who is that insolently handsome 
lad who won it ? He seemed to know you and 
is coming — this moment, I declare ! to present 
his honors to you.” 

“ He is my cousin, Alarico Garcelon. The 
oddest boy I ever knew. But isn’t it fine that 
he won ? I just want to shout again, I am so glad 
about it.” 

“ Humph. What would the good old grand- 
sire up in New England say about your at- 
tending such a thing as a horse-race? Even 
though it is one where no money is concerned.” 

“ May be he would not be pleased ; and yet — I 
wish he could have seen it. I wish they all 
could, and that Aunt Comfort, who so dearly 
loves flowers, could get one glimpse of all this 

204 


JOY AND GRIEF 


205 


beauty before us. Just think. At this very 
moment it may be snowing furiously at home.” 

“Doubtless it is. But come. I’m going to 
have luncheon, and if you like you may invite 
your fantastic relative to join us in it. Indeed, 
it will make us quite envied of our neighbors at 
table if we dine with the winner.” 

At that moment Alarico came up to them, 
and bowing low before his cousin presented to 
her the brown hair- ribbon which he declared : 

“ Has won me the prize, no ? But yes. Old 
Susana is right. You have brought luck with 
you, and the days of our prosperity return. I 
put myself at .your feet, I become your slave, 
no?” 

“ Most decidedly no ! You silly, silly boy. 
Why can’t you talk as sensibly as you can act ? 
But I’m so glad you won ? Oh ! I forgot.. Beg 
pardon, Madam Eastman, this is Alarico. Larry 
I call him, for it makes him seem more like 
other folks.” 

The lady fixed her keen eyes on the youth, 
who immediately seized her hand- and bowed 
over it, just as he had Edith’s, and the recipient 
of his courtesy smiled grimly. Then she re- 
marked : 


206 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Maybe you’ll not feel so well inclined to 
ward me when you hear that I am the Eastman 
who owns the land adjoining yours and the one 
who has given your people so much trouble 
about the irrigation.” 

“ Ah ! but that is the business, yes. This is 
the pleasure. In society we recognize only the 
delight and honor which is from the new ac- 
quaintance of my new cousin, Edithe. It is 
hoped that the charming Senora has enjoyed 
the slight effort her servants have made to en- 
tertain her.” 

Madam nodded, as if she but half knew that 
she was doing so, coolly raised her lorgnette and 
surveyed the Californian, much as she would 
have scrutinized some curious animal. Then 
shS turned toward Edith and smiled, remarking : 

“1 thought all that sort had disappeared, 
along with the other antiquities of the country. 
But this remnant — I fancy he’s harmless.” 

The girl flushed. To her it seemed impossible 
but that Alarico’s feelings should be wounded, 
and she glanced toward him in great anxiety. 
Yet she need not have feared. He was already 
bowing and smiling among a group of utter 
strangers who had drawn near to stare at him, 


JOY AND GRIEF 


207 


in bis quaint costume, and to ask him a lot 
of senseless questions concerning himself, his 
broncho, and the race. There are always such 
persons to be found in any gathering and Aktrico 
was hugely enjoying the attention bestowed 
upon him. 

Madam Eastman gazed at him again, with 
that odd scrutiny of hers, and having finally 
satisfied herself, slipped her arm within Edith’s 
and set out for the luncheon tables which had 
been spread under the trees beside the dwelling- 
house. 

She called back over her shoulder : 

“ Come and get your dinner, boy ! Since 
Edith has brought you good luck she deserves 
some attention at your hands.” 

So Alarico bowed and apologized, and finally 
tore himself away from the strangers who were 
flattering him so openly — so delightfully, and 
followed as he was bidden. Yet even that 
short walk, from the pavilion to the house, was 
a little journey of triumph, and as such gave a 
finishing touch to the lad’s vanity. His head 
tossed, he cast his languishing glances from side 
to side, and began to hum a Spanish air as 
jauntily as if he were alone in his own room. 


208 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

After a little tlie smiles of admiration changed 
to those of derision, and though he did hot 
notice this difference, Edith did, and was heartily 
thankful when he at last reached their table and 
the seat which Madam Eastman had reserved 
for him close beside her own. 

That lady was quick to see the distress in 
Edith’s manner and set about entertaining the 
arrogant youth as sincerely as if he had been 
some really noteworthy person whom it was to 
her interest to propitiate. And, indeed, in some 
measure this later fact was true ; and she began 
speaking to Alarico : 

“ In all my efforts to meet your people I have 
been unsuccessful. The Senora Garcelon has 
always been engaged; the Dona Ysidra, under- 
stood no business ; the Dona Dolores was at the 
Mission ; the Senor Garcelon was at sea ; there 
have been a hundred and one excuses and my 
agent has accomplished nothing. It is not, you 
see, as if many others were interested with me. 
The project for which I am working is all my 
own ; and like most projects of lonely old wo- 
men is laughed at rather than approved. Yet, 
if I live, I’m bound to carry it out. Hear me.” 

Quoth Alarico, with his hand on his heart : 


JOY AND GRIEF 


209 


u But the Senora Eastman does herself the 
wrong. Old, is it? But no. The years which 
lie before should be as many as those which are 
behind, is it not ? ” 

“No. It is not. You are a silly boy, as 
Edith called you, but a charming fellow. I like 
to be flattered. There is nothing I more greatly 
enjoy. Keep it up. You and I are destined to 
be good friends, and that is what I want. Come, 
Edith. Try this salad. It is fine. Go on, 
Alarico. I’m waiting for another nice speech.” 

But for once the lad’s ready flow of compli- 
ment failed. He thought this old lady very 
unprepossessing yet he liked her. So sincerely 
that he ceased to be dramatic and became 
sensible. After a moment he replied : 

“ I would rather hear you talk, if you please.” 

This was so like other, plainer people that 
Edith stared ; but the wise old body opposite 
took no notice and presently began to comment 
upon their surroundings and to explain that all 
the prosperity so evident was due to simple 
common sense and a u determination to get 
away from tradition.” 

“Why, dear Mrs. Eastman, what do you 
mean by that ? ” 

14 


210 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ It’s an interesting story, I think. The 
owner of this great ranch came to it when it 
was just a barren strip of land. It was a strip 
that nobody else seemed to want but which he 
did not believe had been made for nothing. 
He resolved to take it and do what he could 
with it. You see the result. He has not only 
enriched himself, but he has furnished a liveli- 
hood for hundreds of other people.” 

“ It is very fine, that ; ” said Alarico, with 
eagerness. 

“ Why don’t you do the same, then ? ” 

The Madam’s sudden demand was startling. 

“ I ? — I comprehend not, I.” 

“ I will explain. You are the eldest of your 
family, I believe.” 

“ But, yes,” said the youth, straightening him- 
self proudly. 

“Well then it devolves upon you to make 
San Bosa another San Pedro.” 

“Let the charming Senora bid me turn. night 
into day and I will oblige her the sooner, 
no ? ” 

“ I’m not asking miracles, but simply that you 
persuade your grandmother to have a personal 
interview with me. “ I’m not half as black as 


JOY AND GRIEF 


211 


I’m painted, and I wish well to Santa Rosa, as 
also to myself.” 

u I will ask and ” 

u She will refuse. Of course. She always 
has. But she’ll have to come to terms some- 
time. I’m not going to let so many people lose 
a lot of benefit just because one cranky old 
woman acts like a mule.” 

Both Edith and Alarico sprang up, indignant, 
and the girl exclaimed : 

“ I am sure you don’t know what you are 
saying. My grandmother — our grandmother, 
Larry’s and mine — have you ever seen her \ ” 

“At a distance, yes. But sit down again. 
We want to get through and start home. 
Neither am I as disrespectful as you think. 
I’m an old woman myself and a cranky one, 
too. But I try to turn my crank the right way 
— not the wrong. I’m positive if the Dona 
Rosalia would give me a chance to talk with 
her for a half-hour she would come right around 
to my point of view. I’m told she is a very 
religious person.” 

“ Oh ! very. Is it not all the tir^e she spends 
at her devotions, no ? ” 

u I should like to know what it is all about ! ” 


212 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

cried Edith, who found the talk between the 
other two a riddle she could not solve. 

“ Simply this. I own the land adjoining 
Santa Rosa. I want to irrigate and make it 
useful to somebody. Indeed, I have a pretty 
big scheme in my head which she prevents my 
carrying out by her obstinacy.” 

“ How ? If you don’t know her.” 

“ Ah ! but I do know her. In another sense 
and to my sorrow. She belongs to the old 
4 Californians,’ a race in itself almost extinct. 
She lives up to her traditions. Alarico is copy- 
ing, I see. They believe, these Garcelons, that 
they are a little better than their neighbors in 
the world and that it is for them to dictate, not 
the others. They cling to everything that is 
old and hate everything which is new and 
progressive. I shouldn’t mind that if this hoary 
old prejudice didn’t interfere with that pet plan 
of mine.” 

“ What is that ? ” 

“ I want water. No, not a glass full, but a 
country full. Away up to the north there is a 
company which would furnish me with this 
water if I could secure to it the right of way, so 
to speak. You old Garcelons are land poor. 


JOY AND GRIEF 


213 


There are literally miles of your laud stretching 
between mine and that spot where water is ob- 
tainable, and you are so pig-headed that you 
won’t allow even yourselves to be benefited 
by letting this water be brought down over 
your land into mine. Now, why can’t you see 
reason ? ” 

The lady had become excited over her 
own words and addressed the two young 
people as if they, personally, were responsible 
for the state of things which she deplored, and 
her hand trembled even more than common. 
She looked exceedingly frail, at that moment, 
and Edith remembered how kind she had been 
to her on the way across the continent. She 
ceased to resent the manner in which her 
beautiful grandmother had been mentioned or 
that she herself had been called pig-headed. 
She resolved to bring about the much-desired 
interview, if it were possible, but asked, that 
she might better understand the situation : 

“ When did you try to see my grandmother, 
Madam Eastman ? ” 

u A year ago, I suppose. But my agent has 
kept at her ever since, in my absence and by 
my authority. I suppose I shall have to wait 


214 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

for her to die ; but I may be dead myself by 
that time ! ” 

u And I think it is time to go home ! How 
are we to get there, Larry ? ” 

How, indeed ! Since the wagon lay broken 
in the distant canon and the broncho was 
surely too small to carry double. It did not 
enter Edith’s mind, any more than it did 
Alarico’s, that he should give up his own use of 
the horse for his cousin’s benefit. That was a 
point beyond even his extravagant courtesy. 
Madam Eastmen saw their perplexity and 
inquired : 

“ How did you get here ? ” 

Edith promptly told the whole story, and 
her friend remarked : 

“Well, even if you could both ride the one 
horse, you should not risk your life with him 
a second time. Mind, Alarico Garcelon, Cali- 
fornian, I take an interest in this Yankee 
cousin of yours and there’s to be no more 
tomfoolery of that sort. Hunt her up a decent 
little burro, sometime if you like, and she may 
ride that ; but that Terror — never. It’s all right, 
now though. There’s room enough in my car- 
riage, or in Eleazer Mason’s. He brought me 


JOY AND GRIEF 


215 


out, with another lady who is to remain for the 
night ; and he’ll be only too glad to take you 
to Santa Rosa. He kept talking all morning 
of your wonderful qualities. Go, Alarico, and 
hunt him up. Tell him I’m ready to go and 
that I’ve a pleasant surprise for him. Be as 
quick as possible. I hate waiting.” 

It was perfectly natural to the lady that she 
should order people to do her bidding without 
stopping to ask if they were willing ; and some- 
what to Edith’s surprise her cousin obeyed 
quite as naturally. 

But Eleazer had himself espied the little 
party under the trees and was on the watch for 
the first signal his patroness might make. He 
had also seen Edith during the race and had 
watched her animated face with delight. He 
felt almost a personal proprietorship in her, for 
Eli’s sake, and he came beaming toward them 
now, so hearty and hospitable, that the girl’s 
own face lighted as at sight of an old friend. 

“Well, I declare! If this don’t beat all! 
Well, I guess. You’re a regular Yankee for 
get-up-and-getness, ain’t you, little girl ! Hain’t 
been here no time, yet right on deck to see all 
the shows that are going ! That is right. 


216 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

That’s just right. That’s the way to get some 
good out of life. But I must say, I didn’t seem 
to think things would turn this way. I sort of 
reckoned you’d be kept rather tight shut up, at 
San Rosy. Ain’t much for mixing with the 
common herd, them Garcelons ain’t.” 

Madam Eastman did not interrupt her coach- 
man’s flow of language, but calmly waited till 
he paused for breath, then dryly remarked : 

“ If you’ve wind enough left, Eleazer, just 
help me to the carriage. No. I don’t want it 
driven here. I want to go to it. Then I wish 
you should make a tour of the ranch and give 
our girl a chance to see what a little water will 
do in California. I may want her for a witness 
to my interview with the Senora.” 

The hackman looked astonished, whistled, 
and marched off with his hands in his pockets 
and an amused expression on his rugged face. 

u Like as not. Like as not,” he assured him- 
self. “ She’s pretty enough and plucky enough, 
too, to carry her point if she’s a mite of show. 
Well, for my part, I think Calif orny’ll be a 
brighter place since that yellow-headed girl has 
come to live in it. Pshaw ! she’s stirred up 
my old heart so that I mean to really set down 


JOY AND GKIEF 


217 


and write a letter to Eli myself. Tears as if 
I could hear him whining and complaining ’at 
I’d got all the best angle-worms after he’d 
dug ’em for bait. And the old shady pool ! 
My, my ! Queer, how old times makes a man 
feel when something brings ’em back. And 
she’s got right into the thick of it, too. To my 
certain knowledge Madam’s been trying this 
five years to get a word in person with the 
top-lofty Senory, but no, sir ! No, siree ! I’m a 
Garcelon ! Every other man, woman, or child 
in the Golden State is of no more account than a 
horned toad, compared to me ! That’s the idee. 
That’s the way they’ve lived. Whew ! won’t 
the fur fly when them two old tabbies meet ! 
Glad I’m going to be at the show ! ” 

While these thoughts were running through 
the pioneer’s mind he was getting his team ready 
for the tour of the ranch, which his patroness 
desired ; as well as for the long, roundabout 
drive back to the city, a wide detour having to 
be made in order to take in Santa Rosa. 

Then he helped the Madam to seat herself 
comfortably, with all her various wraps and 
parcels — not one of which she had needed — and 
Edith stepped to the empty place beside her. 


218 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

Alarico was to join them as they left the 
ranch and ride beside the carriage to his home 
— -provided Terror was willing so to do. For, 
as he had proved earlier in the day, he was a 
broncho of many vagaries and not to be de- 
pended upon with any certainty. 

Almost an hour w T as spent in driving from 
point to point of interest on the great ranch, and 
Edith had her first glimpse of olive, lemon and 
raisin industries. For all of these were carried 
on at San Pedro, and each formed a business by 
itself. She was given a great branch of oranges 
which had broken from the parent tree by its 
own weight, and when she stepped down to 
walk through the olive orchard to the curing- 
vats beyond, Madam Eastman called her atten- 
tion to a sign at the entrance : 


u HELP YOURSELF!” 

u Why don’t you do it, my dear ? ” 

“ Won’t they really care?” 

“ Surely not. Else why the sign ? ” 

“ They do look inviting ! ” 

They did, indeed, like plums in the old garden 
at home. Too tempting to be resisted, even 


JOY AND C4RIEF 


219 


though Eleazer did remark, from simple kind- 
ness : 

“ Some folks don’t care for olives.” 

A moment later Edith felt that she didn’t. 
She had plucked a few of the bluest and finest, 
and had sampled one with eager haste. Alas ! 
the bitter flavor remained with her for a good 
part of that homeward drive, and when she 
indignantly demanded why such a practical 
joke should be played upon strangers, he laughed 
and answered : 

“ It’s just a case of worm-turning. The pesky 
towerists come here in droves and swarms and 
seem to have left their own common-sense be- 
hind ’em. Don’t wonder a mite your grandma 
hates ’em. They seem to think that our Cali- 
forny is a big show just got up to amuse them, 
and they ask more questions to the square 
minute than a lifetime could answer. That’s 
why, I reckon, the San Pedro boss thought he’d 
kill ’em with kindness. Oh ! they’re welcome, 
sure enough. But not to come and take a day 
of a man’s time that the boss has to pay for, 
just gratifying their cur’osity. My, my, there 
is more foolish sort of talkin’ done than you can 
shake a stick at.” 


220 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Quite true, Eleazer, and some of the talkers 
come even from that favored state of New 
Hampshire,” said the Madam, quietly. 

Edith saw nothing out of ordinary in this re- 
mark, but evidently, the hackman did, for he 
spoke no more until the carriage had come in 
sight of Santa Rosa, from another direction than 
that by which Edith had reached it on the pre- 
vious day. 

“There she is from a different side. Must 
have been a great place once, eh ? ” 

“ Oh ! it must have been beautiful ! Were 
all those fields, that bare brown stretch — the 
mesa, is it ? — was that ever green and like an 
eastern meadow ? ” 

Alarico was full of pride over his victory, 
and from time to time took out a leather purse 
and waved it aloft. This, he explained to 
the others, contained the wonderful sum of 
three hundred dollars that he had won in the 
race. 

“ Won in the race ! I don’t understand that. 
Betting is strictly forbidden at San Pedro and 
any races held on the ranch are merely to ad- 
vertise the ostriches or fine stock raised there. 
Incidentally, maybe, to amuse us idle 4 tourists.’ 


JOY AND GRIEF 


221 


How came you by that money, Alarico ? The 
truth, please, and exactly.” 

The lad flushed but promptly replied to 
Madam Eastman’s question : 

“ Honestly, fair lady. It was the sum offered 
by the outsiders, the visitors themselves, no? 
All rules are made to break, is it not ? And 
what goes on behind the master’s back is not 
of his affair. Men may be good servants yet 
keep to their own ways still. Caramba ! W ould 
I have taken all that trouble just for a few 
empty cheers ? * Indeed, no. But this — this — 
Ah ! it means much to the house of Garce- 
lon ; ” and again he waved the purse before 
them. 

This incident greatly disturbed both Madam 
Eastman and Edith, and the former earnestly 
exclaimed : 

“ Money gained by gambling, by wrong-doing, 
will bring no blessing with it. Go back, lad, 
and return it at once.” 

His scornful laugh was his only reply, as 
he rode gaily forward; and now in complete 
silence the others followed his course. 

Yet when the surrey stopped before the 
courtyard the happy group of children which 


222 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

had welcomed it yesterday was wholly missing. 
Indeed, though they could not have explained 
why, there seemed a strange difference in the 
atmosphere, and it might have been the abode 
of the dead, so far as any sound was heard. 

Terror had quietly walked away to his own 
quarters, and when Edith helped Madam East- 
man to alight and led her up the tangled path- 
way toward the porch she almost hushed her 
own voice as she remarked : 

“You will find my grandmother a perfect 
gentlewoman. No matter what her feelings 
may be she will receive you courteously and, if 
it is for the best, her best as well as yours, I 
hope she’ll assent to your plan.” 

“ She’ll be a simpleton if she doesn’t,” was 
the answer; and with this they came to the 
door. 

But it was an unexpected sight which greeted 
them. The beautiful Dona Rosalia sat white 
and motionless in her great chair, while upon 
her breast lay the disheveled head of rough 
Ysidra. Around them were the awestruck and 
silent children, gazing wonderingly at this 
unusual spectacle; while the lately jubilant 
Alarico lay prone on the floor, with his hands 


JOY AND GRIEF 


223 


clenched in his hair, and great sobs shaking his 
slight body through all its length. 

u Grandmother ! Aunt Ysidra ! what is the 
matter ? oh ! what is it ? ” cried Edith, moving 
forward in affright. 

But though she repeated her question again 
and again nobody saw fit to answer. 


CHAPTER XIV 


A DREARY OUTLOOK 

Madam Eastman leaned against the door- 
post and gazed upon her “ enemy,” the woman 
whose will had been set against her own for 
all these years, and her heart melted with 
pity. There was sorrow in that old salon and 
of a kind with which the petty differences of 
life had small concern. When she saw that to 
Edith’s pleading no reply was given, she herself 
passed inward and laid a light touch upon the 
shoulder of the Senora. Some intuition, bom 
of her own lonely heart moved her to say : 

“The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken 
away. Blessed be His name.” 

A shiver ran through the rigid figure and a 
dry sob parted the Senora’s lips. Then she 
looked up, but quite without surprise and asked 
in a whisper: 

“ How did you hear of it, friend ? ” 

For to the bereaved there is always a feeling 
that all the world must suffer with them. 

224 


A DREARY OUTLOOK 


225 


“No matter. You should not hold that 
heavy woman. Let me take her from you.” 

“ She was his wife. She is a widow — and all 
these babes. I shall soon go to him ; but she 
must live, and these are but beginning.” 

“ Oh ! grandmother ! Is it my sailor uncle ? 
Has anything ” 

Ysidra lifted herself from her mother-in-law’s 
arms and her face seemed in some manner 
changed ; refined — Edith thought it. The poor 
woman had lived for many years at Santa Kosa, 
during which she had toiled faithfully for the 
comfort of her husband’s household. Yet she 
had never presumed to look upon it as her own. 
She was of a humbler class than his. She felt 
that he had done her honor enough in marrying 
her ; she was quite content to serve ; and in 
whatever of joy had hitherto been hers she had 
not asked their sympathy. Never before had 
the arms of her Alarico’s mother been clasped 
about her, but they had done so now, with a 
love and tenderness which amazed her. For the 
moment this surprise almost deadened her grief. 

As Ysidra left the room Edith followed and 
slipped her own arm about her aunt’s waist, 
asking quietly : 

*5 


226 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

a Can you tell me about it ? I am so sorry, 
so sorry. It’s — awful — and I wish you could.” 

“ A man, another sailor, my husband’s friend, 
brought the word this morning. You and 
Alarico had just ridden away over the mesa. 
It was a shipwreck I knew it. I knew it 
always. This would be the end. I told him. 
I begged him to stay. But it was ever the sea 
that was more to him than all the world beside. 
It was three months ago, on the other side the 
earth.” 

“ And they did not find him ? He will not be 
brought home to you, to rest with his people?” 

“ But no. On the bottom of the sea it is as 
quiet as under the poppies. Where he rests, 
he rests. But — it is to me alone.” 

She withdrew herself from the girl’s embrace 
and passed onward into her kitchen within 
whose blank walls almost all her dull life had 
been spent. The blow which had fallen upon 
her had stunned her by its suddenness, yet it 
would make little change in her outward cir- 
cumstances ; save that — and this thought came 
with a fresh shock — there would no longer be 
the sailor’s wage to furnish the household sup- 
port. 


A DREARY OUTLOOK 


227 


She had loved her husband as a being supe- 
rior to herself, but he had been with her only 
at brief intervals since first she came a bride to 
Santa Kosa, unwelcomed, though “ for Alarico’s 
sake ” received. A few times each year his 
ship, his own real home, had touched at the 
near-by harbor, and he had spent some days or 
weeks, as the case might be, at the old adobe ; 
leaving it cheerfully enough whenever the Cata- 
lina was again ready for sea. 

Even her children seemed to her more his 
than hers. Were they not Garcelons all ? Save 
little Marta, who was quite a daughter after 
her own sort and the only one of all her brood 
to whom the lonely mother turned now in her 
sorrow. It was Marta who had followed them, 
and, as Edith paused, repulsed at the threshold 
of the kitchen, ran to her mother’s side sobbing 
as if her heart would break, yet uttering no 
word of complaint or grief. 

Feeling herself a stranger again, Edith hur- 
ried back to the place where she had left the 
others, and to her surprise heard the Senora talk- 
ing freely and familiarly with Madame Eastman. 

“Yes,” she was saying; “he was the only 
son. Others there were who died in childhood. 


228 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

He only lived ; and when he married — -was not 
my heart broken, yes ? But it healed ; and 
now — there is no healing. I am alone, bereft. 
Am I not glad that my own end draws near ? 
That you can see, as I see in your own face that 
you, too, have sorrowed. You come a stranger, 
with compassion in your hand. I know not 
whence ; for you have been sent.” 

a Yes, Senora, I have been sent; and who I 
am does not matter yet. Only, you who are 
so good, should not say that you are alone with 
all these young creatures about you. Are there 
not others, too ? Daughters ? As for me, I am 
literally alone. I have nobody, not one.” 

Edith fancied that the old lady’s eyes were 
roaming wistfully over the group of beautiful 
children, and that there was a sort of envy in 
the glance. They were so in contrast, these 
two venerable women ; the one making herself 
as old as she could and the other persisting in 
remaining young. 

“ There is Dolores, yes. She is a teacher, a 
nurse. She is at the Mission, and conies to 
Santa Rosa now and then, whenever she is at 
liberty. She is so good, so noble, my Dolores, 
yes. She must be told and if it does not inter- 


A DREARY OUTLOOK 


229 


fere with duty she will come to me now, is it 
not ? Alarico ? ” 

“ Oh ! grandmother ! ” cried the lad, spring- 
ing up and bending over her hand. “ I will 
not have it ! It is a lie. The man has lied. 
Where is he ? ” 

u He went as he came, but it is truth. Alar- 
ico, the first, now ; heart’s dearest. Take the 
children away. Then ride to the Hospital and 
tell our Dolores.” 

But Madam Eastman interposed. “We are 
going directly into the city. Cannot you trust 
your message with me ? I will most gladly 
deliver it for you, and I know the Mission 
schools well.” 

The chamois purse or bag in which the lad 
had carried his prize money fell to the floor as 
he stooped again over the Seflora’s hand, and his 
chin quivered in a truly boyish fashion. All his 
silly mannerisms had ceased, and he was not at 
all ashamed of the tears that flowed as he 
picked up the purse and placed it in Dona Ro- 
salia’s lap. 

u So ? What is that, my brave one ? ” 

“ Money, Grandmother.” 

“Money? How came you by it, nino?” 


230 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

There was evident anxiety in her tone and she 
half-pushed the purse aside as if it were an evil 
thing. 

u Oh, si ? It’s all right this time, Beloved. 
It was a surprise, a pleasure, I was bringing. 
Edith, my cousin, knows. I was so proud, so 
happy, and now — I hate it ! ” 

The Senora heard him indifferently, her 
thoughts already reverting to her own grief ; and, 
as if she could no longer bear the presence of so 
many people, she rose and moved toward the 
door. Half-way across the room she paused and 
extended one hand in gratitude to Madam 
Eastman, while she passed the other wearily 
across her forehead. She seemed confused but 
very gentle, and remarked : 

“ We are no longer strangers, we. By and by, 
when time has made the sorrow more familiar, 
yes, come again to Santa Bosa. It was hospit- 
able once and is still something better than a 
staring place for unmannerly tourists. Peace 
follow you and comfort. Adi os.” 

Thus the “ enemies ” met and parted, and if 
good Eleazer Mason could have witnessed the 
interview, as he had desired, he would have 
been too astonished even to whistle. 


A DREARY OUTLOOK 


231 


Edith went with her friend to the carriage, 
dreading to see her go. It seemed as if this 
must be some other day from that bright morn- 
ing on which she had cheered and shouted for 
her victorious cousin. The sunshine seemed to 
have grown dull and the brown mesa became a 
desert to shut her in with everything that was 
dismal. Her face expressed her feeling and the 
hackman inquired : 

“ Not to be, say, curious, what’s happened ? 
Was the Seenory more top-lofty than you could 
stand ? I declare, you look as if you’d just come 
from a funeral.” 

“We have,” said Madam Eastman, tersely. 
“Wh-a-t?” 

Edith explained ; and the old lady added : 

“We are to go to the Charity Hospital and 
notify Nurse Dolores. Her place is at her home 
now, if anywhere.” 

“ Doubt if she sees it that way, though, 
Ma’am. My, my ! Why, I’ve seen that Sailor 
Garcelon many’s the time. Used to ride into 
town on the broncho most every day when his 
ship was in port. A genial fellow he was, too, 
and not so much of the family stuck-up-ness 
about him. Pshaw, pshaw ! That’s too bad. 


232 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

Too bad. And all them pretty little tackers left 
to face the world without a father.” 

His regret was sincere and he helped Madam 
Eastman back to her place with a preoccupied 
expression. Finally, he was impelled to say : 

“ I don’t want to add no more worries to what 
you’ve got, little Edith, but looks to me as if 
you’d been sent here in the nick of time. There 
never was no real head to that family, I guess ; 
not since the old Senor died. That’s your 
grandfather, you know. The old lady spends 
most of her time reading and praying, and that 
one daughter of hers spends all hers looking 
after other folk’s youngsters and letting her own 
kin go untrained. Meanin’ no disrespect, for 
everybody has got to live according to her lights. 
But you watch out for Alarico. He’s a case. If 
you can, you get him to hand that money right 
square over to his ma. She ain’t over clever, 
some think, but she’s the mainstay of the family. 
If she once gets it she may be able to hold on 
to it, and it’ll come in mighty handy, no matter 
if it was come by against rules. The more, if 
their regular supply is cut off, small as that was. 
You try to get the money out of the boy’s hands 
into Seenory Ysidra’s or there’ll be more trouble.” 


A DREARY OUTLOOK 


233 


“ What sort of trouble, Mr. Mason ? Please 
say it out plainly, so I can know just what to 
fear.” 

“ Soon as that fellow gets a little over the 
shock he’ll remember that three hundred dollars 
and what a smart one he was to win it. Then 
he’ll want to go to town and show it to the boys, 
his chums, you know. If he does that once, it’s 
gone. Same’s as if it never was.” 

“ How could it go ? What could a boy like 
him do with three hundred dollars ? I hope he 
will give it back to its real owners.” 

“ Not he. He’ll spend it in foolishness ; in the 
same spirit that made him ride against the ostrich 
and the wheel. Yes, ma’am, I’ve done. Maybe 
I’ve said more’n I ought, but I know that Alar- 
ico, as does ’most everybody else in San Diego. 
And this here little kit is one of my own state 
folks. I’m bound to take care of her whether or 
no. Yes, I’m ready. Good-by. I’ll see you 
soon again, Edith. Good-by.” 

“ Oh ! why did I cheer him ! Why didn’t I 
understand that it wasn’t right ? I knew grand- 
father wouldn’t have approved, and I suppose 
that once winning will make poor Larry try 
again ; and he’ll come to depend on that instead 


234 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

of doing any real work, or study, or business. 
Well, I’ll go in now and see if I can’t help some- 
body. It seems as if this grief of my new rela- 
tives had shut me away from them. Though I 
am so sorry, so sorry.” 

She hurried in and found Alarico ready 
enough to talk ; of his father first ; and, from 
this to drift on to all sorts of family affairs, end- 
ing with : 

“ We’re poor enough now, we Grarcelons, that 
used to be so rich. The very richest family 
once, in all the Californias.” 

“ Oh ! Alarico ! Truly ? That is saying a 
great deal.” 

“Well, one of the richest, yes. What does it 
matter since all is gone ? I, only, am left. I am 
Alarico, the first, now.” 

“ The head of the family,” said Edith, 
quietly. 

“ Yes. Why not ? I have been that, always, 
when my father was away. Now it will be 
quite the same with — with a difference, no \ ” 

“ With a very grave difference. The family 
always depends upon its head for support and 
guidance. You will have to be very wise, and 
industrious, and careful now.” 


A DREARY OUTLOOK 


235 


Alarico fidgeted. He thought it a pity his 
pretty cousin should spoil her red lips by say- 
ing such dull things as these. He took the 
chamois bag from his blouse and tossed it care- 
lessly from hand to hand. Then he opened the 
mouth of it and let the shining coins roll out 
upon the window ledge where he sat. 

Even Edith could not repress a cry of ad- 
miration, for these were eagles and double 
eagles fresh from the mint, and they glittered 
bewitchingly. 

u How fine it looks ! I think clean gold 
money is ever so much nicer than the dirty 
bills we use in the east. It seems as if it were 
more real and I should hate to spend it. Has 
Aunt Ysidra seen it ? ” 

“But no. She was — how could I talk of 
this when the other is so fresh ? Is not one 
sorrow enough at a time ? ” 

“ One sorrow — of course. But now you will 
have to go to work and help her. I suppose 
one of the hardest things she will have to bear 
is to know there is no longer any regular pro- 
vision for you children.” 

“ Children ? I am not a child, I.” 

“ Let’s go show it to her,” suggested the girl, 


236 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

rising ; u then you must take it back as Madam 
said.” 

He sprang up with alacrity, but stayed her 
progress by a negative wave of his hand. 

“I will go, yes. But you — Pardon, heart’s 
dearest, yet you are still a stranger. My 
mother — my mother — I will go to her but you 
remain. You should lie down and rest. The 
day has been a hard one and you need 
siesta, is it not ? By and by, I will come back. 
Then we will talk further of — many things.” 

Edith could not force her company upon him, 
and she felt that he was right in his consider- 
ing her a stranger. But she had no wish for 
this siesta, which seemed so natural a thing 
to Alarico, and even to her grandmother ; there- 
fore she returned to the room where the children 
had been assembled around their mother. They 
had left the place now and were wandering aim- 
lessly about the old garden, confused by the 
trouble which had come upon their people but 
not yet understanding it. So she joined her 
younger cousins among the roses and, drawing 
them about her, told them stories of her old 
home until the sudden falling of the twilight 
warned her that they should go in. 


A DREARY OUTLOOK 


237 


They led the way themselves into the great 
dining-room, their healthy appetites informing 
them that it was supper-time. Indeed, Ysidra 
was arranging the bowls and platter of porridge, 
as stolid of manner as ever. She had yielded 
to her grief for a time, but there were duties to 
be done and duty had always held first place 
in Ysidra Garcelon’s simple nature. With a 
thrill of pity for her, Edith went swiftly to her 
aunt’s side, begging : 

u Please let me do this for you, Aunt Ysidra. 
You go and — and rest.” 

The woman looked up, surprised. A faint 
flush rose to her face, then she answered curtly : 

“ I need no help, I.” 

w Do you not ? I should be so glad to be of 
use. Where is Larry ? I mean Alarico.” 

“ It is not a woman’s place to watch the out- 
goings of her men. My husband came and went 
at his own pleasure, yes. It was always right. 
His son must take his place. I am no spy upon 
him, handsome fellow, no.” 

Repulsed again yet growing all the more de- 
termined to make friends with this unfriendly 
creature, Edith asked another question. 

“ Wasn’t it fine that he should win — win the 


238 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

race? Did he tell yon how splendidly the bron- 
cho ran and how excited everybody was, and how 
they all congratulated him ? ” 

The mother looked up at last, with a keen 
interest. 

“ I do not understand you, no. He told me 
no tales. I heard of no race, I.” 

“ Oh ! I wish he would. I must find him and 
persuade him. I think it would please you to 
hear, and I wish — I wish it were right for you 
to keep all that shining gold. It would be such 
a help. Three hundred dollars.” 

She had meddled now for good or ill, and with 
some trepidation the tale-bearer watched her 
aunt’s changing expression ; she was hardly pre- 
pared for the sudden excitement that the mother 
displayed. 

“Three hundred dollars! You mean it? 
He had it ? He won it ? Yes ? ” 

“Yes. Truly. Wait. I will tell you.” 

Ysidra’s hand trembled so that the spoon 
dropped from it. Even little Marta had never 
seen her so moved, as she cried again : 

“ Three hundred dollars — a fortune ! Food 
for many months. My guardian angel has sent 
it ! Child, where is your brother, where ? ” 


A DREARY OUTLOOK 


239 


“ He rode away on Terror, my mother. To 
the city I think. But maybe not — maybe not.” 

The widow threw up her hands with a gesture 
of despair. Then she dropped them again and 
without another word went on with the supper 
getting. 

The Dona Rosalia did not appear again that 
night and, after sending the other children to 
bed. Ysidra took Marta and withdrew to a 
distant room. Thus left alone Edith also sought 
her own chamber, that looked far less inviting 
than on the day before ; and she sat down by 
the window feeling very lonely and homesick, 
thinking : 

“ I don’t wonder that even strangers pitied 
my coming here. How can I stay ? And ought 
I, must I ? ” 

“ Let the daughter of her people be glad, not 
sad. She has come with blessing, yes,” mur- 
mured a voice outside the window. 

“ Old Profetisa again ! ” cried the girl spring- 
ing up. 


CHAPTER XV 


WHILE THE RAIN DESCENDED 

“What do you mean, Susana? Why are 
you always creeping about me and frightening 
me ? ” 

“There is no cause for fear. I bring only 
good to all the house. Hear me. Is the 
daughter of two races brave ? Can she do that 
which she should do? Or must she serve a 
time before ? ” 

“ I declare, I feel as if I had stepped into an- 
other world. Why do the people down here 
talk so oddly ? I hate mysteries. I wish you’d 
speak straight out what you have to say. I’m 
no braver and no more timid than other girls, I 
suppose. What do yon mean ? ” 

“Come into the garden. In the arbor of 
passion-flowers. I will tell my tale.” 

The arbor of passion-flowers. That was the 
roofed, open-sided sort of building in one corner 
of the great court, the place where earlier in the 

day her grandmother had also appointed a 
240 


I 

WHILE THE RAIN DESCENDED 241 

meeting. She had missed that, since she was 
away with Alarico at the race, but she’d go to 
it now, with this silly old creature who seemed 
half-demented. 

“ I’m like a heroine in a cheap sort of story- 
book. Wouldn’t the girls and boys at home 
laugh if they could see me, practical Edith, 
going after nightfall to keep a rendezvous with 
a crazy c wise woman,’ over a century old, and ex- 
pecting to hear a sort of Arabian Nights fable ? 
I have to pinch myself to know that I am I, 
and can hardly believe it was such a few days 
ago that I went skating in Sissmissit. But all 
right ! I must stop thinking about home, and 
nobody here seems to need me. Let’s see what 
La Profetisa has to offer.” 

The old woman had gone from the window 
and Edith saw her crossing the court through 
the moonlight, which was so clear and strong 
that the shadows cast by the trees and vines 
seemed almost black by contrast. With a little 
nervousness she followed the bent, blanketed 
figure to the sheltered arbor ; but for some time 
after they had seated themselves within it, 
neither spoke. Finally, growing impatient, the 
girl demanded : 


242 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“Please, tell me now. I hate waiting.” 

“ I have been waiting many years. Through 
many generations. Not one would listen. 
Now you have been sent.” 

“ And I am ready.” 

“You rode across the mesa, this day, no? 
You saw the great rancho where are many men 
and many tasks, is it not ? ” 

u Yes, I went. It was a fine sight, but I’m 
sorry about Alarico. If I had known as much 
as I do now I wouldn’t have gone.” 

“ What is to be, will be, yes. What the bit 
of gold he held ? A trifle. A mite. Nought, 
nought. So I say, I, Susana, who knows.” 

“Humph. Three hundred dollars in clear 
cash is a fortune, as his mother said. Do you 
suppose she would consider it a trifle ? Now 
that this terrible trouble has come to her, if 
you are really a friend of the house, as you 
claim, you should influence Alarico to help his 
mother.” 

u She ? What is she ? That was a mistake 
Alarico Garcelon made. But she serves. She, 
also, was sent. Basta. It is not of her I have 
breath to talk. It is of the past and the future. 
I have a tale for the ears of the daughter of the 


WHILE THE RAIN DESCENDED 243 

daughter who was born far from the home of 
her own people.” 

“ No, indeed. At the home of my own 
people, please. I’m a good deal more Hale than 
Garcelon, I guess.” 

“ Tst ! Time passes. We are wasting it. 
Listen. As the rancho of San Pedro is good 
Santa Rosa was ten thousand times better. 
Surely, of their own had the Garcelons more 
than hundreds ; the vacquerous, the tanners, the 
blacksmiths, the weavers, the women — ah ! so 
many, so many. In the great kitchen — that is 
gone — were always meats roasting, loaves bak- 
ing, night and day, food preparing. For one 
must eat, yes ? and where is one now were the 
hundreds then.” 

w It is all very interesting, and I shall like to 
hear about it some other time. Just now I’m 
impatient to know what you think I can do to 
repair the family fortunes. It seems to me 
rather as if I had come to make them worse. As 
you say, one must eat ; and so far there hasn’t 
been a very bountiful table set at Santa Rosa. 
I almost feel as if it were wrong for me to use 
the portion I have to take.” 

But instead of replying the aged woman fell 


244 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

into a reverie and from that into a doze ; which 
for a time Edith hesitated to disturb, till find- 
ing that even she grew cold with the chill that 
was in this night air, she gently touched the 
shriveled hand and roused Susana. 

“ Eh ? What ? Where am I ? But yes ? I 
remember. About the grand old days and the 
sheep-shearings, was it ? ” 

“ No, indeed. But just what I can do to re- 
store these altered fortunes of my family, as you 
profess to think I can. Tell me that and then 
we should both go in. I suppose one can take 
cold sitting out at night even in this wonderful 
California.” 

“Not those who are born here. Nor you, 
after a little. Wait. I am quite awake. Be- 
hold. There is a mountain yon. See ? It rises 
out of the mesa as if it had been piled there, by 
itself, alone. But no. Behind are others, the 
great range. Between them is a valley, most 
wonderful. Few go into it for the road is 
rough and the valley bare. But it is the way 
by which you must pass if you would find this 
wealth of which I tell.” 

“ Oh ! I shall be delighted, I’m sure ! ” cried 
Edith, laughing, in spite of the gravity of her 


WHILE THE RAIN DESCENDED 


245 


companion. It seemed so absurd that she should 
be actually hearing such rubbish from Any- 
body’s lips and seriously expected to believe it. 

Susana waited till the girl had become atten- 
tive again and then resumed : 

“It was a man of the race, another branch, 
himself gave me the key. I have talked and 
talked but none would hear. If the little Sen- 
orita from the north will not listen, then the 
key may be thrown into the great well and the 
Garcelons die of hunger. For to none other 
upon the broad earth was the message sent. He 
was of their kin, I say, this man, and he kept 
his secret to the last. When he was about to 
die he gave it to me, his friend. Yes. Behold.” 

The old woman drew from the folds of her 
blanket a small parcel, tightly wrapped and 
tied with horsehairs. This she held out through 
the broken lattice of the arbor so that the rays 
of moonlight fell full upon it. A very dirty- 
looking little parcel, Edith thought it ; also 
that the affair was growing decidedly thrilling. 
She was quite as interested now as Susana de- 
sired, and moving nearer to the “ seeress ” 
asked : 

“ Is that what you call a 4 key ’ ? ” 


246 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

Without speaking further, La Profetisa un- 
tied the curious fastening and unrolled the 
bundle. The outer wrapping was of dingy satin 
which might once have done duty as a gala 
dress for some departed Garcelon ; for even yet 
it showed traces of having been richly brocaded 
and to be of a quality to suit those past glories 
about which Susana prated. 

Within the satin was a piece of tanned leath- 
er, dark with age, but even yet very soft and 
pliable. Its outer surface was plain, but on the 
reverse side was drawn a sort of map, in colors 
that were not yet faded, though, as Susana had 
told, the hand which traced it had long since 
turned to dust. 

u Oh ! isn’t it queer ? Is it really a— a key, 
a guide, to some place where treasure may be 
found ? ” 

“ In truth. Will the Senorita seek it for her 
people who need ? ” 

“ Yes, indeed. If it is possible. But you 
will have to tell me more and show me the way. 
I know so little about all this country.” 

“ The way is plain. It needs the faith of a 
child and the courage of a man. To-morrow, 
if the Dona Rosalia keeps not the closed house 


WHILE THE RAIN DESCENDED 247 

\ 

of mourning, we will begin. The time passes. 
The old must die. It is now that I am here, 
and this night I sleep in peace. The burden I 
have carried is upon your shoulders, yes. Rest, 
heart’s dearest. To-morrow, manana. Good 
night.” 

With a rapidity of movement that was aston- 
ishing the venerable woman rose, folded her 
blanket closer about her and, as one indeed re- 
lieved of a burden long carried, crossed the 
court in another direction from that by which 
she had entered it and disappeared among the 
shadows. 

Edith, too, rose, but slowly. She felt as if 
she were dreaming and that the light package 
in her hand was a weighty thing. She had 
never been a dreamer, but she would not have 
been a real girl if she hadn’t now begun to 
speculate a trifle eagerly concerning this sur- 
prising matter. 

“ Of course it’s all sheer nonsense. But yet — 
just suppose it were true ! What if this is a 
really, truly map to some hidden mine ? I sup- 
pose there is gold in all the California moun- 
tains, even these down in the south. But it’s 
odd nobody has found it before this. How- 


248 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

ever, it will be a fine adventure and I’ll go where 
Susana leads the way and see what comes of it.” 

Edith had now quite forgotten her loneliness 
and homesickness and went to bed feeling 
almost guiltily cheerful, when she reflected that 
this was, in truth, a house of mourning. How- 
ever, she had never known her uncle Alarico, 
and while she sympathized with those who had 
she was too honest to pretend a personal grief. 

She scarcely noticed now, among the throng- 
ing fancies old Susana’s words had roused, that 
her bed was hard and her conveniences few. 
All that was to be changed, as by a miracle ! 

“ If I find it, the first thing will be to give 
my beautiful grandmother all the luxuries she 
would enjoy. The next, to do something for 
my neglected little cousins. After that ” 

She did not lie awake to plan further, and it 
never entered her thought that even if she did 
discover this hidden mine there would be any 
difficulty in the working of it. She slept dreann 
lessly and awoke to another perfect day and 
with the feeling that she could accomplish any- 
thing whatever that she undertook. 

But she did seek her aunt Ysidra in the 
kitchen and beg to be allowed some share in 


WHILE THE RAIN DESCENDED 249 

the household tasks. She was again repulsed, 
though not unkindly, for her persistent effort 
to make friends was beginning somewhat to 
impress the toiling woman. 

“ But tasks, no ? I know not to what the 
Senorita refers. Am not I the cook since ever 
was ? What beside the cooking remains, save 
the few dishes that are Marta’s part ! Ah ! she 
is a wise child-body, is my nina, yes.” 

Then she waited upon her grandmother ; but 
even here found herself of no use. The Dona 
Rosalia was keeping fast and would not be 
disturbed. Let Edith, her beloved, her Jesuita’s 
daughter, make herself happy. Not for her the 
grief that was prostrating others. There were 
Alarico and the little ones. They should amuse, 
though quietly, as became a house of mourning. 
Let all await the arrival of Dolores, who had 
wisdom to direct and counsel. Some later time 
things would resume their natural order and 
then what so delightful, heart’s dearest, as the 
little Edith beside one ? Hearing the family 
history and learning the things that became a 
gentlewoman of old California. But for to-day 
there was only retreat for the mother of a dead 
son. 


250 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

There seemed nothing left to the active New 
England girl but to sit down obediently, in the 
idleness which was so irksome to her and so 
natural to her new friends. The ordinary avo- 
cations of an eastern housewife were unknown 
here. Yery little sweeping or dusting was 
done, and this in only the most primitive way, 
by Ysidra, who still resented what she con- 
sidered interference, whenever Edith attempted 
to help her. Yet she was no longer harsh of 
manner toward her guest and was even pleased 
that the children should have taken so great a 
fancy to her. It seemed rather as if in ceaseless 
labor she herself found some respite from 
anxious thought ; for already it was less grief 
for her husband that filled her heart than fore- 
boding concerning the future of her household. 

As Edith had said u people must eat ; ” but 
where was food to come from now? 

When the little ones had tired of her reading 
and even of the quiet games, which she felt 
were the only ones appropriate just then, Edith 
sought old Susana, whom nobody had seen that 
morning. 

“Where can she be, Marta? She is so old 
she wouldn’t be able to walk far, would she ? 


WHILE THE RAIN DESCENDED 251 

and Alarico has taken Terror, so she could not 
ride — even if the little beast would let her. 
Does your brother often stay away over night 
like this ? ” 

Marta glanced toward the distant room, 
where her mother sat rudely patching a ragged 
frock of baby Juan’s, and nodded silently. Her 
young face became very grave and Edith was 
almost sorry she had asked. Yet, if she were 
to live here, was it not right that she should 
understand the family affairs ? 

“ Come, dear. Let’s find La Profetisa. She 
told me a wonderful tale last night. I want to 
hear further about it.” 

“ She tells it to herself many times. You are 
the daughter of the daughter, is it not ? You 
are to make us all rich. So she says, and oue 
must believe a person so old, no ? When she 
is awake she says that, but she is nearly always 
sleeping. We shall find her asleep this moment, 
somewhere, yes.” 

Marta’s supposition was right. Susan a lay 
curled upon a heap of blankets in a large room 
of the old mansion, which was almost destitute 
of furniture. 

“ Oh ! she ought not to be left like this. 


252 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

Can’t we make her more comfortable, Marta ? 
If my aunt Ysidra would only let me try, I 
think I could do many things that would add 
to the cosiness of this old adobe. It is so big 
and bare ; but if all the things which are fit to 
use were brought into a few of the rooms, 
everybody could enjoy them and it would be 
so much pleasanter.” 

Marta looked up surprised. 

“ Are they not as they have always been ? 
In truth. Why disturb them ? As for Susana, 
yes. There is a nice warm place, a little cham- 
ber beyond the kitchen, where she can stay if 
she likes. She does when it rains and is cold. 
But this she chooses, and my mother says she 
is to have her own way. One would not like 
to cross the will of so old and wise a person, 
no ? ” 

“ If it were for her own good I’d not hesitate 
to cross it. Old she is, but surely not so wise, 
or she wouldn’t prefer such a hole as this to a 
decent bedroom.” 

“ She ijs not like us, you know, little Edith. 
She is an Indian. She was a sort of — of serv- 
ant, is it not? to our ancestors, in the days 
when she was young. That was long, long ago, 


WHILE THE RAIN DESCENDED 253 

yes. So long — I cannot even think about it. 
But she is a blessing. Our aunt Dolores says 
she must be left to do exactly as she likes, and 
she likes — this.” 

“I’m going to speak to her. Has she had 
any breakfast ? ” 

“One does not eat when one is asleep!” 
laughed the little girl, her serious face brighten- 
ing for the moment at her cousin’s suggestion. 

“ Susana ! O Susana ! ” called Edith, putting 
her lips very near the aged woman’s ears. 

La Profetisa started slightly, and when the 
call was repeated sat up and looked about her 
with a confused expression. Finally she said, 
as if to herself : 

“ It is the voice for which I have waited. The 
time has come.” 

u I should say it had ! Come, dear old Susana, 
don’t stay here in this untidy place. There’s a 
better one, little Marta says. Let me help you 
to it and give you some breakfast. Have you 
been here ever since you talked to me in the 
arbor, last night ? ” 

Susana uncovered her head and for the first 
time Edith had a good view of the withered 
face. It looked as if it had dried, like an apple 


254 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

left over winter on a Sissmissit tree, and the 
girl smiled at the remembrance. Then she 
slipped her arm under that of the centenarian 
and helped her to her feet. As she did so, 
Susana shivered and looked through the window 
toward the sky. 

“ The rain is here,” she observed. 

u The rain ? I don’t see it. And, don’t you 
remember? You were to show me the way to 
the mine, or whatever else it is, by which we 
poor folks are to grow rich again.” 

“ The rain is here. When the sun shines and the 
mesa is green we will go. My coffee, child.” 

Two hours later the rain began. It had been 
much delayed, that year, the people said, but it 
now came with a suddenness and thoroughness 
that made up for lost time ; and as a beginning 
of the dreariest portion of Edith Hale’s life. 

Alarico did ngt return. It was the longest 
absence he had ever made and Ysidra was vis- 
ibly anxious, her face growing thin and deeply 
lined, though she made no complaint and to 
Marta’s wonderings concerning her brother re- 
plied briefly : 

“ When the rain is over we shall hear. Who 
could come to Santa Rosa now ? ” 


WHILE THE RAIN DESCENDED 255 

Who, indeed ! It was now, for the first time, 
that the New Englander learned what a simple, 
“ rain ” may be. The water fell in sheets, as it 
were, and incessantly. One day was so like 
another that she almost lost count of them. The 
great rooms were drearily cold and dismal, 
Edith’s own bedroom that she had found so 
enchanting when she first beheld it now seeming 
like a vault. 

Dona Rosalia kept her own apartment closely ; 
and here, for a short time each day, her grand- 
children were permitted to gather about the ex- 
tremely small fire on the very wide hearthstone 
by which some mitigation of the prevailing 
chilliness was attempted. The Senora was 
very susceptible to the changes of weather, in 
this climate where changes were few, and suf- 
fered greatly now. She spent as much of her 
day as she thought decent in her bed : and when 
out of it sat close to the scanty blaze that Ysidra 
faithfully kept, wrapped in a great cloak of 
shabby velvet in which she looked even more 
white and fragile than ever. 

“ But why, dear Grandmother, doesn’t aunt 
Ysidra make the fire larger? At home we 
should call that sort of fuel merely kindling- 


256 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

wood. We would never think of its being big 
enough to warm a room, even a little one. If 
she would let me I would be glad to fetch more 
wood and tend the fire myself. I am afraid you 
will be ill of this creeping cold.” 

The Senora laid her delicate hand upon 
Edith’s sunny head and stroked it tenderly. 

“ You are very sweet to me, heart’s dearest, 
but fret not. Nothing comes by chance. The 
discomfort that the Lord sends, shall I not bear 
it patiently ? And what matters ? It is all in 
the lifetime, yes ; and my life is near its close, 
I think. Why murmur ? ” 

“Now, grandmother! I can’t let you talk 
like that ? Don’t you remember what old 
Susana says ? I have come to make you rich ! 
Well, when I do, we’ll have such a fire on these 
old hearths as will warm you through and 
through and make you young again. You 
mustn’t talk about dying, beautiful grand- 
mother ! I never allow my grandfather Hale 
to do that, and I quite intend — when I grow 
rich — that he and you shall meet ! Ah ! yes, 
I do. He’s the very loveliest old gentleman in 
all the world, as you are the very loveliest lady. 
I can’t call you old ; for until this storm came 


WHILE THE RAIN DESCENDED 257 

and — and your fresh sorrow — you seemed al- 
most like a girl. Oh ! I wish it would stop 
raining ! ” 

“ Wish not so, charming child. The rain is 
the gift of Providence. When it rains this 
thirsty country has a sufficient drink for once, 
and it is the only time in all the year. Think 
of my garden when it is over. And vex not 
good Ysidra, little one. She does what she 
may — and let none complain. Now, I am tired. 
I will lie down again; you shall cover me 
warmly, is it not ? Then take the children out. 
They are young. There are many rooms still 
left in the old adobe where they may exercise in 
their play and so make themselves warmer than 
a lire would do.” 

So Edith helped her grandmother back to rest 
and shut her in alone with her scanty fire and 
such comfort as was possible. For herself, she 
repaired to her own cold room and w T rote jour- 
nal-letters “ to everybody at Sissmissit,” though 
there was no possible chance of posting them 
until some indefinite future time. These letters 
gave a far more graphic picture of her new life 
than the writer herself suspected ; and when 
they did finally reach their destination aroused 
*7 


258 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

a deal of indignant comment among the girl’s 
warm friends. 

“ Edith Hale low-spirited ! The thing seems 
incredible,” said Derby Saunders to Mary Fos- 
ter. “Here I’ve been envying her her good 
times and coaxing my folks to take a trip down 
there themselves. But there’s an awful home- 
sickness in the way your letter ends, Molly : 
“ If I could only see one dear familiar face ! If 
I could only see — why even Buff ! ” Father 
says he doesn’t doubt the dear old Dominie acted 
for the best, but he’d ought to have found out 
all about things first. Fifteen years make a big 
change anywhere, and it was fifteen years since 
Edith’s father made that will, or whatever it 
was.” 

Meanwhile, Edith was writing and watching 
the skies, or the rain-soaked mesa round about 
the old adobe ; and so three miserable weeks 
passed; and on the twenty-first night of the 
rain the girl crept into bed feeling as if she 
wished she might not wake up again for ages. 

But daylight brought the miracle of sunshine. 
It streamed straight through the window over 
her face and flooded all the place with glory. 
It warmed the mesa and already the faint green 


WHILE THE RAIN DESCENDED 


259 


which had been perceptible through the brown 
grasses sprang up full and strong. 

Edith dressed in haste and ran singing to the 
door of the room, occupied by her grandmother 
who responded with loving cheerfulness. The 
children were wildly gay and on every face, save 
one, was the reflection of the sun’s own joyful- 
ness. 

But Ysidra was still somber and the rheuma- 
tism which had tormented her during the storm 
had not yet left her. Her face was drawn 
with pain as well as foreboding when, as soon 
as the monotonous breakfast of porridge was 
over, she called her niece aside and asked her 
first favor. 

u It is a good walker that you are, no ? ” 

“ Yes, indeed. I’m a regular tramper. Can 
I walk anywhere for you ? ” 

“ Come,” said the woman, leading the way 
into a pantry, built to hold great stores of pro- 
visions, but now empty. Lifting the lid of a 
meal barrel she pointed silently to a small quan- 
tity of the flour remaining. 

“ You mean that that is all we have left to 
eat?” 

Ysidra nodded. 


260 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ And you wish me to go for more ? 
Where?” 

u There is the city, yes.” 

“ But that is fifteen miles away. Oh ! don’t 
look so disappointed. I can do it, easily. Yet 
is there no nearer place ? ” 

“ I would go, I, myself, only the lameness is 
so bad. And when I go who remains ? The 
nearer place, it is a small town, in truth. 
Though ” 

In the flash of despairing entreaty Edith read 
the mother’s heart. Food was necessary, abso- 
solutely, but news of Alarico — that was even 
more so. All these weeks she had been so 
patient and uncomplaining, her natural harsh- 
ness having almost disappeared, yet now when 
a chance offered to bring her news of her son, 
her idol, she was distracted with grief. 

u You poor, devoted dear ! I’ll go. I’ll go 
at once. And I’ll bring you word back just as 
soon as I can. I’ll bring him, too, if that is pos- 
sible. Oh ! I am so glad to be useful to some- 
body at last ! ” 

She threw her arms impulsively around her 
aunt’s neck, who received the caress without 
response, save for a wonderful brightening of 


WHILE THE RAIN DESCENDED 261 

the worn face. But that was all the answer 
Edith needed ; and now, once more her sun- 
shiny self, she set out promptly on her long 
walk, little dreaming of any hidden perils by 
the way. 


CHAPTER XYI 


A LIVELY PIECE OF GOOD NEWS 

w What a wonderful world it is ! And how 
odd that I should be going alone on such a 
tramp, away down here at the end of creation — 
or the United States — to hunt up a missing 
boy, so wild he breaks his mother’s heart ; and 
an aunt so good she breaks her mother’s the 
other way. Of course, I don’t mean that ; but 
it does seem to me as if my beautiful grand- 
mother needed the only daughter she has left 
to look after herself instead of teaching a lot of 
Indian children and nursing another lot of folks 
that have no claim upon her. However, I’d 
better stop passing judgment till I know both 
sides. That was dear grandfather’s rule and 
it worked pretty well. I can’t help wishing, 
though, that he’d known the other side of this 
California business before he sent me down 
here. I feel as if I were only one more in the 
way ; one more to be fed and housed, and so 
262 


A LIVELY PIECE OF GOOD NEWS 263 

useless. That is, I have been useless till now. 
Maybe things will change after this, just as the 
world is changing in this sunshine. Why, I 
really believe I can see the things grow. There 
are actually some pink flowers opening while 1 
look at them. I’ll go gather a bunch. No, I 
won’t either. They’d wither and maybe suffer, 
and they look so happy growing. Besides, I 
mustn’t turn aside. Fifteen miles is fifteen 
miles — many steps that ! But I remember the 
way Mr. Mason drove; and he pointed out 
a short-cut toward the last part that he said a 
foot-passenger could take and lessen the dis- 
tance by about three miles. Three miles — I’ll 
try that way. The hunters use it, he said ; and 
there must be a beaten path, of course. I hoped 
I would find somebody going city ward who 
would give me a lift, as teamsters do at home, 
but I’ve seen nobody thus far. This weather 
should soon set the 4 to wrists ’ restless and give 
Mr. Mason plenty to do. I hope it will. I feel 
as if he were my own folks and the truest kind 
of friend. Now, I’ll rest a bit.” 

It might have been two hours after she had 
left the old adobe when she reached the point 
where the short-cut diverged from the main road, 


264 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

and after resting for a time she struck boldly 
along the unknown way. 

But if this by-path lessened the distance it 
added to the difficulties ; for the water had 
washed it badly, and in many places still stood 
in pools that blockaded her progress. 

“ This makes me think of another of grand- 
father’s sayings : ‘ The direct course is always 
the safest one.’ He meant that about actions — 
mental ones — but it seems to apply to physical 
ones, too. I’d turn back, only I hate turning 
back in anything. Oh ! what a >sight that is 
yonder ! ” 

For want of other company, Edith had made 
companion of her thoughts and now stood mar- 
veling beside a deep gorge wherein the rains had 
wrought much havoc ; tearing up great boulders 
and heaping them together, uprooting bushes, 
and even trees, and leaving still in the bottom 
of the canon a foaming, rushing stream. Be- 
yond the gulch the valley stretched long and 
beautiful ; the arroyo — but yesterday a river of 
sand — gleaming in the sunlight, dazzlingly 
bright. Across the canon, above the muddy 
stream which raged along its bottom, was a 
narrow foot-bridge, each end of it fastened half- 


A LIVELY PIECE OF GOOD NEWS 265 

way up the sloping sides. The bridge was but 
two planks’ width, railed on one side ; a dizzy 
passage for any one not most sure-footed ; and 
that even those familiar wifh it would scarcely 
have attempted just then. 

“ Why ! To get to that bridge I shall have 
actually to slide on this side. Yet how can I go 
dway back to the main road again ? Or how shall 
I get up when I reach the other side ? Hmm.” 

For a brief time the girl stood and con- 
sidered; then set out to try the slope. She 
knew little fear and was growing eager to reach 
the town. Once there, across the bridge, the 
way would be short, for the city lay invitingly 
near and the bay beyond seemed so close she 
felt she could almost put her hand out and 
touch it. 

“I can hear Alarico saying: ‘That’s the 
atmosphere.’ Alarico ! It is for news of him 
I’ve come and I’ll not waste a single rod that 
I’ve already crossed. Here goes ! ” 

Selecting the cleanest spot along the bank 
which she could the girl clutched at the few 
grasses and shrubs left growing in it and slid 
cautiously down to the ledge whereon the end 
of the bridge rested. The descent did not im- 


266 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

prove the appearance of her clothing, but that 
was a minor matter, and having straightened 
herself again she struck out over the bridge. 

IIow it swayed ! What could be the matter 
with it ? Or was it just her own imagination 
and the sight of the torrent below that had 
made her giddy ? 

u Edith Hale ! Don’t be a ninny ! Of course 
it’s strong or there would be a sign posted 
somewhere to warn of danger. It’s well worn, 
too. Lots of people have crossed here and I’ll 
stop looking down and fix my eyes on that 
further shore and — behave myself ! ” 

She did lift her gaze, more terrified than she 
would admit even to herself, and — what was 
that ? A man at the top of the canon wall be- 
yond, waving his arms and wildly gesticulating. 
She stopped short. What did he mean ? He 
was addressing her, that was evident. Was 
she to go forward or backward ? 

The bridge was certainly swaying and now 
fearfully. One glance down showed the branch- 
laden torrent tearing between the frail supports 
of the structure as if intent on carrying them 
with it. 

She raised her eyes again and there was the 



“THE BRIDGE IS GOING" 
























































A LIVELY PIECE OP GOOD NEWS 267 

man waving even more wildly, and suddenly 
throwing up his hand with a gesture of despair. 
Then he slid downward, as she had done upon 
the other extreme of the span, and braced him- 
self with his back against the mud as he made 
a trumpet of his hands and yelled : 

“ Run ! Run ! The bridge is going ! ” 

It was well for Edith Hale that she had been 
the swiftest, lightest runner at their old school 
games at Sissmissit. She realized her full peril 
now, and with one hurried prayer for help darted 
forward. Afterward it seemed to her that her 
very body had been lightened by the eagerness 
of her spirit, for a bird could have touched those 
breaking timbers with scarce more delicacy than 
did the girl’s sturdy feet. 

It was but the fraction of a moment, yet it 
seemed an eternity of time ere she reached the 
further bank, from which the fastenings had 
already torn loose. There was a chasm to be 
leaped — a feat that only desperation could ac- 
complish; and with eyes tight shut, breath 
suspended, she made that outward spring 
toward life — or death. 

“ Well, well ! My stars and stripes ! Thank 
the Lord he sent me here this minute ! ” 


268 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

When this ejaculation reached her real con- 
sciousness Edith was sitting on the ground, at 
the top of the canon wall, with Eleazer Mason 
beside her. He was splashed with reddish, 
slimy mud from head to foot, his honest face not 
excepted, and she felt, rather than saw, that she 
was in the same condition. 

Then she saw him pointing silently down 
stream, and there, swirling along in the flood, 
crashing and breaking, with sharp sounds as of 
guns firing, the old footbridge was going swiftly 
to pieces. A shudder ran through her and 
she instinctively clasped Eleazer’s outstretched 
hand. 

u How — awful ! ” 

“Yes. And how wonderful! Needn’t tell 
me there’s no such thing as Providence. Else 
how happened I should be just here when you 
needed me so much ? ’Cause, even if you had 
made that leap and I hadn’t been on hand to 
catch and hold you, you’d have slid clean down 
to the bottom and — but my stars! Let’s not 
talk about it. You’re as pale as a ghost and 
we’re both sights for the fair ! Mud, mud, mud 
— nothing but mud ! Easy enough to clean 
that off and, lucky ’tis, there’s water plenty in 


A LIVELY PIECE OF GOOD NEWS 269 

Californy, for once, to do it* with. Now — talk. 
The whole business ; how you’ve come here and 
why.” 

But she could not find speech so easy, for a 
little time. She could only look up at the blue 
sky and around on the sparkling world and 
marvel at the peril she had endured and escaped. 
Yet after awhile she began to recover and said, 
very quietly : 

“ It doesn’t seem as if this could be just the 
same morning, does it ? But — well, how I 
came ? Was along that dangerous by-way you 
pointed out to me that day you were taking 
me to San Bosa. Why ? Because there was 
nobody else to come and somebody had to.” 

u Hain’t nobody been to the old ranch since 
the rain begun ? ” 

“Not a person. Aunt Ysidra is out of food 
for us all and she is terribly anxious about 
Alarico. Do you know where he is ? ” 

“ You don’t mean to say that there good-for- 
nothing greaser I paid to go out to you didn’t 
go ? Why, I’ve been restin’ as comfortable as a 
jack-rabbit in an a’falfa field. Sho? I wouldn’t 
have had this happen for anything. But I’ve 
been havin’ troubles of my own. The water 


270 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

beat anything I ever see, this year, and there 
was a landslide back of my little house and I’ve 
been fightin’ disaster every day. Then I’ve a 
touch of the lumbago, now and again, and when 
I wasn’t fightin’ water I’ve been fightin’ pain. 
Well, I’ve got good news and bad, both, for you 
and your new folks. But it won’t do to set 
here in the wet and discuss it. My team’s 
hitched down below, city side this bluff, and I 
just dumb up to take a look at that bridge. 
Lots of the towerists are going hunting, now 
the rain’s over, and I promised to just step this 
way and report whether they’d safe cross or 
not. I guess most of ’em will prefer to take 
the long road, eh ? ” 

He laughed, as much to cheer this sober- 
looking girl who had not yet gotten over her 
shock as at his own wit ; then suddenly de- 
manded : 

“Why don’t you ask what my good news 
is ? ” 

“ I’m waiting for you to tell me ; because I 
see you can’t keep it to yourself long.” 

“ Huh ! I can’t, can’t I ? Now you’ve put 
me on my mettle. But that boy, ’ Larico ! 
He’s got his come-uppance for once.” 


A LIVELY PIECE OF GOOD NEWS 2H 

“ What has happened to him ? Where is he ? ” 
“ In the hospital, getting a broken leg healed. 
His Aunt Dolores is tending him. So you’ll 
kill two birds with one stone when I take you 
there, as I shall right away. You’ll see ’em 
both to once. It’s as good a place as another 
to clean the mud off and it’ll do the chap good. 
More good ’an he deserves, by a long shot.” 

“ How did he break his leg ? when ? where ? ” 
w Come, you dear little Yankee ! You can ask 

just as many questions as 

“You can !” 

“Just so! just so!” laughed' Mr. Mason. 
“ Well, first, how ; by getting into bad company, 
or staying in it ; for that young scalliwag knows 
all the disreputable loafers in San Diego. That 
ain’t sayin’ so much, either ; for this is such a 
law-abiding community it don’t take more’n a 
half dozen constables to police the whole city. 
True. Why, our city prison’s nothing more’n 
a sort of barn, cheapest sort at that. But, c birds 
of a feather’ you know. Alarico’s as vain as 
he is smart. I do allow he’s that.” 

“ Which ? Smart or vain ? ” 

“Both. He’s fell into the clutches of idle 
men, a good deal older than himself and learnt 


272 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

all their badness. Leastways, so far forth as he 
can understand it, bein’ by nature a clean-hearted 
fellow, after all.” 

“Poor Larry! You’re giving him a pretty 
damaging record, seems to me.” 

“Well, he deserves it, just as I said. But 
facts. He come down here that night after the 
races and after he heard the news about his 
father’s death. He was terribly used up by 
that, for he loved his father more’n anybody in 
the world, so I’ve often heard. And having that 
money upset the other side of his nature. He 
was in the lowest depths and on the highest 
heights, so to speak, both to one time. Con- 
sequence was, soon as them loafers spied him 
they set out to have some fun. They got him 
to give them a grand supper, and to buy a lot 
of stuff he didn’t want ; and finally to ride an- 
other horse they wanted to sell him. I don’t 
know the rights of the rest. He got throwed 
some way and his leg broke, bad. That scared 
the others an’ they hustled him off to hospital, 
lightning quick. Miss Dolores was nursing 
there and she’s got him in charge. That’s 
where she saw her duty lay, even if she’d been 
let to go to her mother, which I doubt. She’s 


A LIVELY PIECE OF GOOD NEWS 273 

a good woman, Dolores is, and I’m glad you’re 
goin’ to know her. She can give you lots of 
good advice and what to do at San Eosa, even 
if she can’t live there with you. She does her 
duty as she sees it and nobody can do better 
nor that. Nobody could do more good, any 
way. She’s loved from one end the city to the 
other an’ far beyond its limits. Many’s the 
poor creature has died happier for havin’ 
knowed Dolores Garcelon, let alone all that’s 
livin’ who near about worship her. There ! 
Have I said enough for a spell ? or shall my old 
tongue keep a clacking on ? ” 

By this time they were in the carriage, 
well along toward the heart of the city and to 
the beautifully situated hospital where lay poor 
Alarico, repenting his foolishness at his leisure. 
Edith had quite recovered her spirits and now 
related to her friend all that had passed at San- 
ta Eosa during the storm, and what old Susana 
had said on that last night preceding it. 

“ What do you suppose she means, Mr. Mason ? 
Is she worth listening to? Could it be pos- 
sible that there is really a mine of gold any- 
where which belongs to the family? I’m just 
eager to go with her and see.” 

18 


274 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“My dear little Yankee, I’ve been hearing 
that story ever since I struck this town. It 
might be true and then again it mightn’t. You 
can’t tell. These old-timers are as full of cran- 
ky notions as — I be ! ” 

“ Oh ! that’s no advice. You talk just as Eli 
would. He’s always afraid to commit himself 
or give a straight opinion on any subject — unless 
he loses his temper. Then he’ll tell you fast 
enough what he thinks. Of course, I don’t 
mean that you’re alike in the temper part, be- 
cause I don’t yet know anything about yours ; 
but you’re alike in wobbling all around a sub- 
ject and not going right toward it. Please 
forgive my disrespect. I’m so used to scold- 
ing dear old Eli; and this morning, meet- 
ing you after these weeks of homesickness, and 
your saving me — I forget we’re really strangers ; 
and I am greatly troubled. I am, indeed. Oh ! 
is that the post-office, yonder ? I have a lot of 
letters to mail. They’re to my old schoolmates, 
and I reckon they’ll find them dreary reading. 
But I had to let out to somebody and I’ve begged 
them not to tell my home folks — that is any of 
the dismal part. Shall I get out and put them 
in the box ? ” 


A LIVELY PIECE OF GOOD NEWS 275 

“ Just give ’em to me. I’ll see if there’s any 
mail for Santa Rosa while I’m here. Then we 
can take it back with us.” 

“We? are you going that way to-day?” 

“Course. Don’t suppose I’d let Eli’s little 
girl walk that distance twice over, do you ? Be- 
sides — but that’s tellin’ ! Now, the hospital. 
Then the Florence, to see Madam Eastman. 
Then — my cottage and, good news ! Hi ! won’t 
your big black eyes look bigger’n ever, when 
you see what — you will see ? ” 

But Edith was already deeply engrossed by 
the pile of home letters which he had found for 
her at the post-office. Letters from her grand- 
father, her aunt, and from several schoolmates ; 
including a round robin from her own class. 
The reading of these made her both happy and 
sad, but it was a hasty one ; for before she had 
really finished — though Eleazer had kept silence 
till then — he interrupted her with the remark : 

“ Here we be ! St. Luke’s hospital. A place 
that’s always doin’ good to somebody.” 

Edith was a little timid as she followed Mr. 
Mason up the stone steps to the great door be- 
neath its sheltering gallery, for it was her first 
visit to any such institution. Yet she had short 


276 A YANKEE GIlA IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

n 

time for anxiety, since the door opened almost 
immediately and quite noiselessly in response to 
her guide’s touch upon the electric bell. 

There had been the heat of summer without 
and the lofty hall, with its cool tiled floor, 
whereon were spread soft rugs that deadened 
every footfall, seemed delightful by contrast. 

“ How still it is ! How restful ! ” 

The few physicians on duty, in their white 
coats, moved quietly about as calm and unruf- 
fled as if they were not every day, and nearly 
every hour, dealing with cases of life and death ; 
while the sweet-faced nurses, in their white 
caps and simple gowns, passed to and fro upon 
their various tasks, so lightly that only sight 
betrayed their presence. 

Eleazer and Edith stood for a moment wait- 
ing just inside the door, and as nobody spoke 
to them and the porter had already departed 
for the tiny apartment where he remained to 
attend the door, Mr. Mason accosted one of the 
nurses who was bearing a tray of food through 
an adjoining corridor. 

“Good morning, nurse. Can we see either 
Dolores or Alarico Garcelon ? ” 

“ Good morning. Yes, I think so. They are 


A LIVELY PIECE OE GOOD NEWS 277 

on the second floor. Left wing. Private room. 
Number Twelve.” 

Even the hackman’s great boots seemed to 
have caught the knack of silence, and feeling 
very much as if they were in church the visit- 
ors ascended the broad central staircase and 
turned to the left. Another nurse silently indi- 
cated the room they sought, which was one of 
many opening from a long hall, at the end of 
which was a regular ward. Edith could see 
the rows of snowy beds in this great ward and 
that several of them were occupied. Yet she 
had no time to wonder about these afflicted 
people, for there was Eleazer standing before 
the open door of Number Twelve and regarding 
the youth who lay upon the cot therein with 
an odd expression of sympathy and satisfac- 
tion. 

u Well, young man ! So here’s where you’ve 
brought yourself, is it ? ” 

w Ha ! The Senor Mason, no ? Good morn- 
ing. But — yes ! It is, it is ! My cousin Edith ! 
You’ve come at last ! ” 

Edith sped across the narrow space between 
the door and the couch and caught Alarico’s 
thin hands in hers. She had never seen so 


278 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

great a change in anybody, and she thought, at 
first, that he seemed dreadfully ill. But a sec- 
ond glance showed her that his eye was bright 
and clear and that he was rather paler than 
thinner. He had always been slight, but the rich 
coloring of his skin was quite gone now. 

“ 4 At last ! ’ Alarico ! The very first moment 
that I could after hearing you were hurt. In- 
deed, it was to learn what had become of you 
that I really came at all. To quiet your poor 
mother’s heart. She is grieving herself ill.” 

The lad’s lashes drooped upon his cheek into 
which crept a faint flush of shame. 

“ But word was sent her, no ? So I was told, 
and I — I had — I had not done well by my poor 
mother, I. I feared she might not so readily for- 
give and I was to be the head of the family, in 
reality, now. The three hundred dollars — that 
is gone, Beloved.” 

Edith tried to return his pleading glance with 
a very stern one ; yet he looked so young and 
innocent as he lay upon his pillow, and he had 
received so poor a training that she pitied rather 
than blamed. 

“ Oh ! I suppose everybody makes mistakes ; 
and that money came so easily I suppose you 


A LIVELY PIECE OF GOOD NEWS 279 

didn’t value it. It isn’t for me to criticise 
and— — ” 

She ceased speaking as a gentle-looking nurse 
moved swiftly from the hall straight to herself 
and clasping the girl’s two hands in her own 
slender ones, said in the most musical voice 
Edith had ever heard : 

“ But there is no need to ask who this is, no ! 
It is Jesuita’s face and those are Jesuita’s eyes 
which I see, yes. My beloved child, how glad 
I am ! ” and the stranger folded the young girl 
close and kissed her tenderly upon either 
cheek. 

Edith thought she had never seen so sweet a 
creature, and she was not surprised that Alarico’s 
gaze should also be fixed upon his aunt with an 
adoring reverence. Nor that, presently, he 
should remark, in a very humble tone : 

“ It was the best thing, yes, that I broke my 
leg. Far better than the money I earned in 
racing. All these weeks I have lain and my 
aunt has served me. But it is the truth I say, I, 
Alarico Garcelon, yes. Hear me. From this 
day on ” 

Dolores lifted her white hand and the boy 
stopped speaking. 


280 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Not by promises, which are vows, in God’s 
sight, but by deeds, nino. What one does, that 
is truth ; what one says — pouf ! a breath of 
wind. But there is always repentance and it is 
faith in my lad that I will keep, I myself ; and 
a place in my prayers always. Now, it is to 
the little one from the north that I would listen. 
Ten minutes I can give. In that time I must 
learn all that may be told of my beloved 
mother, of poor Ysidra, of — whatever apper- 
tains to Santa Rosa ; and of yourself, all.” 

“ I shall have to talk fast then, sha’n’t I ? ” 
demanded Edith, all fear of this stranger aunt 
lost in the warm love which had taken its place. 
Had her own mother, Jesuita, looked thus? If 
so she did not wonder that her New England 
father had carried her away to his home to let 
his own people see what a treasure he had 
found. 

When the ten minutes had passed Nurse 
Dolores arose, and Edith understood that this 
was dismissal. 

“ In two weeks we hope Alarico may return 
to Santa Rosa. He will then remain there, do- 
ing his duty. If not so soon, then as early as 
may be. For my mother and Ysidra, for you 


A LIVELY PIECE OF GOOD NEWS 281 

and the children, there are always my prayers 
and a meeting when God wills. On every 
Thursday from one to three in the day I have 
recreation. If it is right and best I will be 
glad to see my Jesuita’s daughter then. Adios. 
God’s blessing.” 

The visit had been a revelation to the strict- 
ly trained New Englander. According to all 
her previous ideas she should have seen noth- 
ing lovely in a life which was devoted to the 
service of strangers rather than to that of a 
family of relations which needed its help. 

“I never knew there could be anybody so 
good who believed so falsely as to neglect one’s 
own ! ” 

“ Tut, tut, child ! Don’t be a judger. The 
way it looks to me as that one-sized clothes can’t 
fit everybody in the world ; and so long as it is 
clothes it doesn’t matter much what sort we wear. 
The thing is to be clothed, honestly and de- 
cently. That is, each man or woman ought to 
be religious, out of the heart, accordin’ as relig- 
ion appears to them to stand for all that’s ‘ pure 
and of good report.’ But, my stars and stripes. 
The idea of me turnin’ parson, me ! Say, 
child, I allow it’s gettin’ too late to tackle 


282 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

Madam Eastman before dinner time. S’pose 
we ride right home to my house and take a 
snack there. Get the good news, too. It’s 
such an amazin’ lively piece of news I’d like to 
get shut of it, as the younkers say.” 

“ What a riddle you are talking ! Good 
news that is lively ? Is it a person ? A thing ? 
A — what is it ? ” 

At that moment they turned the corner of 
a street and came upon an excited crowd of 
half -grown lads, with a sprinkling of men among 
them, gathered in the middle of it. It was one 
of the unpaved side-streets in the new part of 
the town, and though the rain was so recently 
over it was already dusty from the beating 
and passing of many feet. 

In the center of the group various noises 
indicated that some fight was in progress, and 
presumably between animals ; for the crowd 
cheered vigorously : 

“ Go it, Billy ! ” u At him again, Brindle ! 
The pup’s clear grit ! ” “ Hi Bill ! ” 

Eleazer’s suspicions had been promptly roused. 
Much to Edith’s dismay he headed his team 
straight for the middle of the highway and, 
therefore, for the heart of the throng. Then 


A LIVELY PIECE OF GOOD NEWS 283 

he stood up and peered forward, with an ex- 
pression of mingled amusement and disgust. 

“ Get up, Edith ! Stand up ! There he is, 
your good news ! The all firedest, tormenting- 
est, pluckiest little varmint I ever had the care 
of ! But I’m done. I hand him over. He’s 
yours from now on and I wish yon joy of 
your prospects ! ” 

Edith had quickly obeyed Eleazer’s command, 
and from her elevation in the carriage could 
easily see above the heads of the surging crowd ; 
which swayed this way and that, to accom- 
modate the movements of the combatants in 
its midst. 

A goat and a dirty yellow dog were in mor- 
tal encounter, or apparently so. The goat was 
far the greater and stronger of the two, besides 
having a well-developed pair of horns for weap- 
ons ; yet the dog was so agile and clever that 
he had already wearied his antagonist to the 
point of surrender ; and just as Edith espied 
him he made a finish of the matter by seizing 
the goat’s beard with his teeth. 

Instantly, the larger animal gave up the strug- 
gle, and hanging his head meekly seemed to 
beg for mercy. 


284 A YANKEE GlRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ Oh ! Mr. Mason ! That looks — like — Buff ! 
Could it be possible— Buff ! Buff ! Buff ! ” 

Then did that yellow cur become trans- 
formed. He released his foe, cocked his head 
on one side, took a rapid survey of the assem- 
bled multitude, discovered the girl upright in 
the surrey and, with leaps which seemed incred- 
ible for such short legs, gained her side and 
landed with his paws upon her shoulders. 

“ Buff — Buff ! you darling ! How came you 
here! Oh! Buff!” 

He was frantic with delight and she utterly 
unmindful of the watching crowd. She hugged 
him close, clasping his homely body as if he 
were her dearest friend, while his incessant 
lappings of her beloved face effectually removed 
any traces of the mud-stains which might have 
been left upon it after her hospital visit. 

“ Now friends, scatter ! ” ordered Eleazer. 
“You’ve seen a pretty fight and a prettier sight ! 
That there little Yankee dog, he’s traveled over 
three thousand miles to meet his mistress, an’ I 
’low it’s time to draw the curtain ! ” 


CHAPTER XVII 


THE CLOSE OF AN EVENTFUL DAY 

Eleazer drove swiftly away from the scene of 
the recent conflict and Edith asked no questions 
until he had stopped before the entrance to a 
pretty little garden with a vine-embowered cot- 
tage at the back. 

“This is my shanty! Welcome to it, my 
dear ! ” cried the hackman, as he turned to help 
her from the carriage. 

But she and Buff were already upon the 
ground, the dog running round and round her 
in an ecstasy of delight, barking excitedly, nib- 
bling her shoe-buttons, leaping to lick her face, 
and altogether conducting himself so naturally 
that even a stranger could see that these two 
were old friends. 

“ Well, of all dogs ever raised, that’s the beat- 
enest ! He’s chewed every rope in two I tied 
him with and broke every chain. I ’ve put 
him under lock and key, and the first I’d know 
he’d get loose and run away and somebody’d 


286 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

come fetchin ’ him back, sayin’ : 4 Here’s your ex- 
press parcel, Mr. Mason. Charges collect on de- 
livery ; ’ or some such nonsense. I ain’t a mite 
sorry to hand him over. Yet the way he’d set 
an’ gaze into a fellow’s face and whine and beg. 
— Pshaw ! It almost brought tears to my eyes 
more’n once. He’s had plenty to eat, but there 
were lots of days he’d hardly touch it. Just 
walk round and round the house and smell at 
the doors and cut up gen’ally.” 

“ Express parcel ! Is that the way he came ? ” 
a Yes. You guessed right.” 

“ How ? who sent him ? ” 

“ Who would but Eli ? ” 

“ Eli ! I should have thought him the last 
person to do that. Tell me all you know please, 
and quick. I can’t wait to hear.” 

“Don’t blame you, either. Well, that night 
after I’d left you at Santy Rosy I couldn’t get 
you nor them old times what you’d raked up 
out of my mind. I’d asked you to write and tell 
the cantankerous chap how you’d met me and 
all. Remember ? ” 

“ Surely. And I did. The very first letter 
I wrote after I came ; but, as you know, that 
letter has only just been posted.” 


THE CLOSE OF AN EVENTFUL DAY 287 

“ Well, I thought I wasn’t so plumb lazy but 
I might write myself. I did that night. And 
he no sooner got it than he wrote back and said, 
he’d sent you your dog by express and I was to 
give him to you just as soon as I could. The 
little beast had about pined to death after you 
and near broke all their hearts with his carry- 
ings on. Eli couldn’t stand it. Either the dog 
had got to go or he had. There wasn’t any 
livin’ up to the way minister’s folks should with 
all that torment going on. The creatur’ had 
about made Maria sick, too. She was sure some 
dreadful thing had happened to you and Eli 
wished he’d never been born, or else he’d left 
the old Dominie and come along with you. 
When a body’d raised up a little girl to be the 
apple of his eyes it was hard lines to have her 
snapped oft by a lot of old Californians, and he’d 
sent the dog along as a sort of scout. He was 
much obliged to me for my invitation, and if 
Buff reached here all right he wouldn’t be so 
afraid to try the trip himself. The house was 
like a funeral ever since, and no more at present 
from your cousin to command, Eli Johnson.” 

“ Oh ! how like him, how like him that 
sounds ! The blessed, cross, good-hearted old 


288 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

grumbler ! Did lie pay the express charges him- 
self, Mr. Mason ? ” 

“ Yes. Every cent. Here’s the card of direc- 
tions. I’ve kept it in my coat pocket and 
showed it to a power of folks. If that ain’t ex- 
plicit an’ right to the pint, I don’t know ! ” 

All the time the good man had been talking 
he had also been unharnessing and putting his 
horses in stable, and Edith had joyfully helped 
him. It did seem so delightful to her to be 
again in a clean, well-kept stable, where there 
was hay in plenty and everything had a comfort- 
able look. It almost seemed as if Eleazer must 
himself be Eli, for their movements were very 
similar and each had the tidy way that the girl 
liked. 

Then they went into the house and she begged 
to be allowed to scramble the eggs and make 
the toast which, with a great dish of fruit was 
to make their midday meal. 

“ This is almost like New England ! ” she cried 
and bustled about, finding the dishes for herself, 
setting the table, and making a very picture of 
delight to the lonely old man who was her 
humble host. The tag which had been tied to 
Buff’s collar was written in Eli’s crooked hand 


THE CLOSE OF AN EVENTFUL DAY 289 

and characteristic of him, for it contained direc- 
tions for every possible emergency that could 
arise and stipulated that the best of care should 
be given the four-footed traveler, as well as that 
any extra charges necessary should be forwarded 
to him. 

“One thing more in the letter, Edith, was 
that he had done this thing on the sly. He 
wasn’t going to have any silly women talk and 
fuss and raise objections till it was too late. He 
guessed he was old enough and smart enough to 
send a yellow dog from one ocean to the other 
if he wanted to without gabbling about it. 
When the thing had started he’d tell and I was 
to write immediate and notify if the creatur’ got 
to this end all right. I did, right away ; but — I 
don’t want any more dogs consigned to me ’less I 
can pass ’em on to their owners soon as received.” 

“ Oh ! I’m sorry the blessed little fellow has 
given you so much trouble, you dear good friend. 
Yet, if you only knew how happy he makes me ! 
Why, I always did talk to him as if he were 
human and tell him all my affairs, and he’ll hear 
a deal more now. He’ll be all of — of — Sissmis- 
sit I have, you see ! ” 

“ All of your ’own folks, you were goin’ to 

19 


290 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

say, I guess. But trouble — don’t mention it. 
Don’t ever use that word about anything I can 
do for you. My only trouble was lest I should 
lose him before that pesky storm let up so I could 
get him to you. I was in fear constant that 
though he’d come so far safe enough he’d make 
an end of himself now he’d arrived. But he 
kept me amused too ; and what with him, and 
the water, and my lumbago I’ve had no time to 
worry about losin’ trade, account of the rain. 
Now, if you’ve eat all you can, I’ll just leave 
these dishes in the sink and we’ll go to Madam 
Eastman. Untidy? No. Not a bit of it. A 
man that housekeeps for himself and runs a liv- 
ery-liack at the same time has to suit his dish- 
washin’ to his circumstances. Now and again I 
get a Chinee man in to help scrub. I tell you 
there ain’t no dirt left on nothin’ after he gets 
through. All ready? Wait! we must tie that 
dog or we’ll lose him yet ! ” 

“ Tie my Buff ? lose my Buff ? you couldn’t 
lose him now,” answered Edith proudly. 

“ Maybe not. I s’pose I can risk it if you can.” 
• 46 I’ll risk it.” 

And she was right. All inclination for mis- 
chief or street fights had left the traveled ca- 


THE CLOSE OF AN EVENTFUL DAY 


291 


nine’s mind. He stalked sturdily along so close 
to Edith’s side that he nearly tripped her up, 
but he glanced neither to the right nor left, and 
if he could have spoken would have said that 
the only wish in his heart was to keep forever 
near to that beloved mistress who had been re- 
stored to him. 

Then they went to the great hotel upon the 
bluff, where Madam Eastman had passed so 
many winters and where, indeed, the guests 
were almost all of those who had made their 
comfortable quarters a sort of home. The sec- 
ond greeting was, also, a cordial one ; and for 
the first time the country-bred girl saw the in- 
side of a well-appointed hostelry. 

Mrs. Eastman’s private suite of rooms was 
furnished with a richness that astonished her 
young visitor, and indeed somewhat impressed 
her. But after a little she grew accustomed to 
the scene and her tongue ran nimbly over all 
that had occurred since the lady had left her at 
Santa Eosa, on the day news came of the sailor 
uncle’s death. 

“ And now I have told you everything, dear 
Madam, and I want your advice. I don’t be- 
lieve that my people at home ever dreamed 


292 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

things were just as they are here or they would 
not have sent me unless some different arrange- 
ments could be made. Grandfather so loves 
learning I’m sure he would regret my giving up 
all study, yet what am I to do ? I even feel as 
if I ought not to eat, and yet — I can’t take it 
upon myself to interfere and write home to 
Sissmissit. Not yet. Do you suppose there 
is nothing, nothing left ? Only what my uncle 
earned ? And about this story of Susana’s. Do 
you suppose there could be any real truth in her 
claim ? If so, I wish — oh ! how I wish I could 
go and see. But I doubt if she is strong enough 
to walk as far as those mountains look, even 
if she remembers the way. I wouldn’t dare 
ride that broncho, even if he were at home 
and ” 

“ And you’re in a peck of trouble, eh ? well, 
my dear, thank you for coming to me. I bade 
you do so if you needed help, and so did our 
good Eleazer. He is a practical man and worth 
his weight in — well, something fine, even if not 
gold. He had a fine surprise for you, did he ? 
Did he not tell you anything more ? ” 

“ He told me much, but I don’t know what 
you mean, especially.” 


THE CLOSE OP AN EVENTFUL DAY 293 

“ About the burros ? ” 

“ No. I’ve seen some along the way, and in 
the city, but he said nothing.” 

“Very well. Listen. I have bought two 
burros and you are to take them to Santa Rosa 
for me. I ” 

“ Oh ! Madam Eastman ! That is too 
much ! ” 

The odd little lady made a funny grimace. 

“ Child, don’t leap to conclusions. I haven’t 
given them to you. If I had ” 

Edith’s face was now crimsoning with shame, 
but she rallied : 

“ If I made that horrid mistake it was because 
you have been so — so very generous in every 
way that I expected nothing else. I mean — 
Oh ! don’t you know what I mean ? I’m get- 
ting so mixed up and I’ve seen so much and 
been through so much to-day, after the weeks 
of terrible quiet that— ” 

w That you are as transparent as that window- 
pane and just as innocent. Listen once more. 
I have bought a pair of burros ; and I don’t know 
what to do with them. No, you needn’t look so 
wise. It wasn’t to help you out that I got them, 
but another girl-body who has been staying here 


294 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

for several months. She came with her mother 
who has become enough better of a dangerous 
illness to return east ; but the child grieved so 
over her pets that I bought them and promised 
to find them a decent home. ‘ Where they will 
be loved,’ she stipulated. I don’t know of any 
place where there is so much honest affection 
and good pasturage going to waste at the same 
time as at San Rosa. I think Ysidra Garcelon 
has sense enough to put my burros out to graze 
on her mesa, has she not ? If I pay her a fair 
price for the same? and of course I should 
want them exercised. It would be a great pity 
to let two such nimble-footed creatures get stiff 
in their joints just because there weren’t 
young Garcelons enough to go around and ride 
them ? ” 

“ Ah ! who is transparent now ? ” asked Edith, 
catching her old friend’s hand and kissing it 
impulsively. 

“ Besides,” continued Madam, calmly, “ I 
really think that where there is so much smoke 
there really must be some flame. I’ve been 
hearing that mine story so long I’m tired of it. 
I’d like to have it investigated, and I don’t sup- 
pose we could reasonably ask old Susana to live 


THE CLOSE OF AN EVENTFUL DAY 295 

another century in order to give us time, do 
you ? ” 

“ Oh ! you funny dear ! ” 

u Let’s have in Eleazer, the wise. I’ve a no- 
tion that has just come to me. I’ll try it upon 
his common sense and see what happens.” 

She rang and Mr. Mason was shown in. He 
was far less impressed by the luxury which had 
surprised Edith than she had been, for he was 
often at this and other hostelries, on business 
intent. He stood until Madam Eastman sug- 
gested that he should sit, and without interrupt- 
ing her — a rather surprising thing — listened 
gravely to. all she had to say. 

“ My idea is simply this. If you will go 
home with Edith, in such a wagon as would 
carry the provisions they need, and that Edith 
assures me she has money of her own to buy, 
in addition to the little sum her aunt was able 
to give her — by the way, child, I never before 
saw twenty-five dollars do the work that yours 
has!” 

“ Oh ! it hasn’t wasted, you see, because you 
and Mr. Mason and all I know have been so 
kind and generous. Never mind ! Some day, 
after we find that gold mine of ours, I’ll be able 


296 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

to pay everybody back and with a good in- 
terest, too. Of love as well as money. Oh ! if 
I could find it ! ” 

t{ Mr. Mason, I want you to take this scatter- 
brain home, with her belligerent dog, and her 
tenant burros, and all the food necessary for all. 
You’d best arrange to stay over night. They 
should be able to give you some sort of bed 
and breakfast in that great old adobe. Then 
to-morrow, La Profetisa being auspicious — and 
now the weather is sure to be so — you could all 
drive as near to the famous mine as possible. 
Then you could ride burro or horseback the 
rest of the way. It is just possible that you 
may strike a vein of richness which will reach 
even over into my fallow, or idle, property. If 
you do I shall be doing a good thing for my- 
self ; and if you don’t I’ll be satisfying my 
silly old romantic fancy. What say ? Can you 
leave your family of nobody ? And what about 
the Terror ? He’s still at your stable, isn’t he ? ” 

“ He was, Ma’am, until to-day. But now, I 
was going to tell you, he’s broke loose and cut 
stakes for the land knows where. Odd ! My 
own team, there isn’t a finer in Californy, will 
stand till the end of time if I don’t take ’em 


THE CLOSE OF AN EVENTFUL DAY 297 

out myself ; but let me once try to act guardeen 
for a Garcelon dog or broncho and — my stars 
and stripes ! I’ve no more discipline than a 
five-year-old.” 

“ Oh ! well. Don’t worry over him. He’s a 
mighty swift little animal and about as treach- 
erous as he is swift, I fancy. He’ll turn up all 
right when we least expect it. Now, if you’ll 
make your plans and Edith’s purchases, she and 
I will have another little talk ; then a bit of 
supper, for I want her to taste some of the 
dishes I find well prepared here ; and, after- 
ward, good-by for a time. But the rain is over, 
child. The sun shines as it does nowhere else 
but in Southern California, and you’re going 
to live in a wonder world of beauty for the next 
few weeks.” 

So it was settled. And toward evening Elea- 
zer appeared with his wagon, his load of pro- 
visions, the docile burros tied behind, and — the 
Terror himself. The latter little beast had 
turned up, as the Madam had predicted at the 
Mason stable, just in time to add himself to the 
homeward bound party. 

It cannot truthfully be said that Eleazer re 
ceived the addition with pleasure. There was 


298 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

a “ young moon ” to be sure, and the hackman 
knew his road well. But he had not traversed 
it since the rains, and there might be washouts 
where least expected. He thought they would 
have difficulty sufficient in piloting, or leading, 
the two burros; but Edith helped him out 
somewhat by suggesting : 

u If the burros are so gentle, why not tie one 
behind the other, and the foremost to one side 
of the wagon. Then, if I have a strong enough 
rope I will lead the broncho myself from the 
opposite side. We should have a lantern, I 
suppose, for that’s Eli’s rule. Buff shall ride 
beside me ; and we’ll travel like a little circus 
on the move from one town to another. I often 
and often have led old Derry for Eli, to and 
from the blacksmith shop.” 

“ My stars ! It sounds well, and I hope it’ll 
be as easy as you seem to think. Though I 
reckon there’s some slight difference ’tw T ixt 
pacin’ along a country road, tuggin’ at an old 
horse’s halter, than ridin’ in my wagon and 
pulling your arms out the socket, draggin’ a 
broncho after you.” 

“Well, my good friend, have you anything 
better to suggest ? ” asked Madam, curtly. She 


THE CLOSE OF AN EVENTFUL DAY 299 

was not a person who liked to have her plans 
miscarry and she had planned this return very 
satisfactorily to herself. After the visit to the 
mine she intended to pay another one herself to 
San Rosa, if not to the distant mountains 
beyond. She had, indeed, quite caught the 
spirit of Edith’s excitement over the matter. 

“No. Not to say as I have. Not unless 
Edith here was to stop over night and go home 
in the morning. Daylight would be better for 
such a job than night time, I ’low.” 

“ Oh ! I wouldn’t dare ! ” exclaimed the girl, 
greatly troubled. “ I promised Aunt Ysidra I 
would surely come. She bade me hire some- 
body to bring me if I could not walk so far 
again, and she would think harm had befallen 
me. So, also, would my beautiful grandmother 
and — and — I — must go. Though ” 

“Tut, tut, child. Say no more. I’m not 
scary for myself. I’m an old forty-niner and 
when a fellow has crossed the plains he ain’t 
likely to get skittish over a fifteen-mile drive in 
a settled country. It’s only this menagerie 
we’re a-startin’ with that’s give me the notion. 
But, pshaw ! We’ll be all right, of course. So 
put on your hat, or your cap, Edith, and the 


300 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

Madam had better lend you a shawl or some- 
thin’, I guess, ’cause the night’ll be damp.” 

Five minutes later they were on the way. A 
crowd of guests watched them from the glass- 
parlor ; where one old citizen remarked : 

u Well, that’s a ticklish piece of work Mason’s 
laid out for himself. There isn’t a better 
horseman in the county than he is, but — to drive 
a spirited team and lead three — at night — over 
a rain-washed road — I don’t see whatever pos- 
sessed him to do it.” 

“ I do. The pleading eyes of a little girl he 
likes,” said Madam Eastman quietly. Then she 
went away again to her own rooms, but her 
heart was strangely disturbed. 

u What an old silly I was ! I was as much for 
having them start as Edith herself, and now — 
I’d give a good bit of money if I had her safe 
beside me. If anybody has got to worry it 
might as well be her sullen aunt as poor me ! 
Well, I always was a simpleton, but I’ll turn 
over a new leaf. And I sha’n’t sleep a wink to- 
night. I’ve made up my mind to that.” 


CHAPTER XVIII 


THE RETURN 

Eleazer’s handsome horses were in fine 
fettle and started away from the hotel at a 
swift pace, tossing their heads, switching their 
tails, and altogether conducting themselves as 
would any spirited span which had been stand- 
ing idle for three weeks. 

Edith was not afraid, and she had all she 
could think about in keeping the broncho in 
order; for the fiery little animal strongly ob- 
jected to being led in such ignoble fashion. 
Mr. Mason took in the situation and remarked : 

“ Terror thinks that if there’s any leading to 
be done he’d rather do it himself. But as 
soon as I can get the team down a little we’ll 
go slower and he’ll come under, too. The bays 
won’t keep this up forever, but they’re high- 
strung and need exercise. Hurt your hand, 
does it ? ” 

“To hold the broncho? No. I’ve wound 

301 


302 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

my handkerchief around it, any way. I didn’t 
want to soil my glove, for ” 

“You don’t know when you’ll get a new pair, 
eh ? That’s right. You have been raised right. 
Though that’s of course, since it was New Hamp- 
shire raisin.’ I guess you’ll be writing another 
letter to Sissmissit, by to-morrow, eh ? Tellin’ 
old Eli how his express parcel disgraced his min- 
isterial up-bringing by gettin 1 into a common 
street-fight. With not even another dog, either, 
but just an ordinary billy-goat. I ’low he sets 
pretty close to you on that back seat. Ain’t 
going’ to let you out of sight again in a hurry, 
I guess.” 

“No, indeed. The dear little fellow must 
have behaved very badly, though, at home, else 
my thrifty Eli would never have paid a lot of 
money to get him sent across the country. Or 
else, maybe he thought I’d miss him so. Just 
think, in my letters home to-day, I said I wished 
I could see somebody from Sissmissit and I 
wished I had my Buff. Yet he was already ar- 
rived ! ” 

“Yes. Things do work out queer, if one 
watches close to see. Now he’s come he may 
be a lot of good to you. I can’t say he would 


THE RETURN 


303 


be to me — after my short experience carin’ for 
him. But Eli’s a queer shaver. Or was one- 
I remember once some folks came visiting to 
our house and gave us boys each a dollar. A 
whole silver dollar. That was more money, ’an 
either of us had ever had in our lives, an’ the 
the way we spent it showed the difference in 
us. We was took to Concord, an’ I went to a 
circus, a bake-shop, a candy-store an’ in less 
than an hour I hadn’t a cent left. Eli went to 
the candy-store, too ; but after lookin’ — whoa, 
there ! steady, boys, steady’s the word ! — after 
lookin’ around, as I said, he picked out a candy 
peach and asked how much it was. One cent. 
So he bought it, after ponderin’ the matter 
consid’able, and had it wrapped up. I asked 
him why he didn’t eat it, an’ I wish you could 
have seen his face ! I can see it this minute, in 
my mind. The most horror-struck look on it 
ever w r as. Eat it? No, siree. He took that 
home as careful as careful, and the ninety-nine 
cents in another parcel. 1 remember he got 
the candy woman to give him the change all in 
coppers, ’cause it looked so much more. That’s 
Eli when he was a little tacker, an I reckon it’s 
Eli still. Wouldn’t wonder if he had that candy 


304 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

peach yet, laid away somewheres. If lie has, 
though it may have turned yellow with age, 
it’ll be just as clean and nice as it was when 
it come out the store.” 

“ Why, Mr. Mason, he has ! I’ve seen it, 
though I never heard its history. He showed 
it to me one house-cleaning time and said it 
represented the folly of youth. He advised me 
never to put good money into trash. He pre- 
served that peach to remind him what a simple- 
ton he had been born, and how thankful he 
was that he had gotten over his foolishness ! ” 

Liberal-hearted Eleazer threw back his head 
and laughed till the tears came ; and then struck 
out upon a long narrative of bygone days which 
speedily passed the time for him, even if his lis- 
tener found the story a little tedious. But she 
would not have had him know this, nor that 
her arm had grown positively numb w r ith the 
long strain of leading the broncho. As for the 
burros, they had trotted along so sedately and 
quietly that they seemed almost as mechanical 
in their action as the turning of the wheels 
themselves. 

But Buff had grown tired of sitting still 
and had leaped from the vehicle, to run along 


THE RETURN 


305 


before it, as he had been accustomed to do when 
accompanying old Jerry on Sissmissit trips. 
Now and again Edith spoke to him as if fearful 
of losing him on the lonely route, but he would 
promptly respond with his short, shrill bark and 
spring up beside her again to lick her face, and 
thus assure her of his presence and love. 

They had followed the longest road between 
the city and the ranch, thinking this the safer ; 
and when they had reached a point where it 
was cut by a shallow bridge-spanned gulch, 
through which now ran a stream of water, Buff 
began a furious barking, and the horses stopped 
of their own accord, their front feet already 
upon the bridge planks. 

“ Hello ! What’s up ? Something wrong, 
I guess. Can’t see what. Can you? Bridge 
all right ? Don’t scare. I’ll get out.” 

Eleazer stepped cautiously down and scanned 
the bridge, so dimly lighted by the new moon, 
then uttered an exclamation which made Edith 
forget the broncho and leap to the ground beside 
him. 

“ A woman ! An old woman, I guess, right 
in the track ! Another second and we’d have 
druv clean over her ! My ! ain’t that dog 
20 


306 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

human, almost ? To think there was that much 
sense under his homely skin. My stars, my 
stars and stripes ! We’d have killed her, sure.” 

Still retaining his grasp of the reins in one 
hand, with the other the hackman tried to turn 
the prostrate figure over. But the girl was on 
her knees beside it, instantly, and herself nar- 
rowly escaped disaster, as the released Terror 
threw up his nimble heels and dashed past her 
up the slope and vanished over the mesa. 

“Nevermind. He’ll get home all right. If 
he doesn’t, a human creatur’s more than a thou- 
sand bronchos. Can you make out whether 
she’s alive or dead ? ” 

“ Oh ! Mr. Mason, it’s La Profetisa ! And 
she doesn’t move. How came she here, so far 
from the ranch, do you suppose ? ” 

“ Hmm. No accountin’ for anything a wo- 
man’ll do, even one so old as this Susana. Can 
you hold the team a minute ? ” 

“Yes. Surely.” 

Indeed, the animals stood very quietly while 
Eleazer lifted the aged creature and placed her 
carefully upon the back seat, where she rested 
limply against the side, at imminent risk of 
falling out should the horses move. So Edith 


THE RETURN 


307 


climbed back into her own place and throwing 
an arm around the unconscious Susana, sup- 
ported her as firmly as she could. Eleazer 
resumed his seat and they set forward again. 

But neither had now anything to say. Twice 
that day they had been confronted with the 
narrow division there is between life and death, 
and the devout thanksgiving in each heart for 
the tragedies averted made only silence natural. 

However, they were almost at Santa Rosa 
now, and having reached the level of the mesa 
the bays trotted eagerly forward, as if realizing 
that supper- and a night’s rest were before them. 
For their owner had brought their provender 
with him, not caring to risk the chance of an 
empty manger at his journey’s end. 

During the last half-mile Edith had felt the 
figure in her arms stir slightly and had gladly 
realized that there was still life in the helpless 
Profetisa. Indeed, w r hen the wagon stopped 
before the court at San Rosa, Susana lifted her- 
self, though feebly, and inquired : 

“ Have we come to the spot, no ? It has been 
a long — long way. Are you with me, daughter 
of the daughter of my people ? ” 

“ Yes, Susana. It is I, Edith, Jesuita’s daugh- 


308 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

ter, who was sent, you know;” answered the 
girl, humoring the other’s fancy. “We are at 
home again, and this good man will lift you 
down.” 

The noise of their arrival brought Ysidra to 
the door, and seeing a wagon outside it she 
hurriedly crossed the great court to meet them. 
There was real concern in her voice as she 
caught Edith’s hand and helped her down, ex- 
claiming : 

“ But I feared the harm had befallen you, 
heart’s dearest! And the grandmother? If 
Jesuita’s daughter had not returned by the day- 
light I would have left all and gone myself in 
search, yes. But ! your guardian angel has 
brought you safe again, is it not ? ” 

Edith was happy indeed at this greeting, and 
threw her arms affectionately about her aunt’s 
neck, who received the embrace quietly, yet, 
despite her words of welcome, without demon- 
stration. 

“Yes, everybody is safe, and I’ve a lot to tell. 
But Susana first ; ” and she hurriedly narrated 
how the woman had been found. 

“ When one is as old as she, one is either all 
silly or all wise. The silliness came upon her 


THE RETURN 


309 


early, when she heard that you had gone. She 
was like a wild person, yes; upbraiding the 
Senora, and as for me — pouf ! She would 
have struck at me in her rage but that it was so 
soon forgotten. 4 Where is the daughter from the 
north \ Where ? She and I have a task to do 
and time flies. Where, I say ? ’ It was always 
like that, and all at once she was gone, yes. 
But she is strong, no ! Else how does she make 
the journeys from place to place. She will revive 
indeed. She will not die until she has gone 
with you, little one, to the place where the gold 
is hidden. In truth.” 

u Oh ! Aunt Ysidra ! if it only might be really 
so ! ” 

“ Why not, pray ? Is the world yet ended ? 
Not till then will marvels cease, and what bet- 
ter than that our Santa Rosa becomes once 
more as in the past ? Yet come, little one. The 
Senora waits and is impatient till she folds her 
arms about you. It is love you have brought 
in your hand as a gift, child. Even I who 
wished not your coming, who felt it was one 
more to slave for and to feed, behold ! Because 
you have stopped not at the weary road and 
the unknown places but have done for me the 


310 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

errand I could not for myself, even I love you. 
But not one word of news, no. Not till I have 
done as the Senora would wish and as my hus- 
band, Alarico. He was ever of the free hand, yes. 
If the little ones were but awake. Yet they 
sleep in happiness ; only Marta, my white dove, 
sits in her grandmother’s room so patient. My 
thanks, beloved, ten thousand thanks ! ” 

With that this strange woman, who had 
hitherto been so sullen and distant of manner, 
bent over Edith’s hand and kissed it tenderly ; 
then quickly lifted herself and slipping an arm 
about Susana’s shoulders helped her across the 
garden and into the house. 

“ Now, don’t you worry about me, Edith. I’m 
an old' stager an’ can ’fend for myself. I’ll just 
step back to the stable, or drive there, ruther. 
There’ll be room enough, any way, and I’ll put 
the team out. The burros can be tethered right 
on the mesa. They live on next to nothin’ 
always. I hear Terror trottin’ and snorting 
around back, so he’s come home ; and he’ll look 
out for Terror every time, you believe. If the 
aunt can fix me up some sort of shake-down 
we’ll be as snug as pigs in clover; and to- 
morrow — hooray ! for a gold mine ! ” 


THE RETURN 


311 


It was many years since lights had burned 
so late at Santa Rosa as on that night ; and long 
since so bountiful a supper had been spread 
there. For Edith had told her aunt about the 
stock of good things she had brought from 
town ; purchased in part with the money Ysidra 
had given her, part with her own, and largely 
added to, without her knowledge, by the orders 
of her generous friend, Madam Eastman. 

While the meal was preparing Mr. Mason 
was arranging for the comfort of the animals in 
the great stable, while Buff was introduced to 
the Senora and made to do all his tricks for her 
benefit. To little Marta he seemed the most 
wonderful of beasts ; and, being a dog of dis- 
cernment who knew a friend when he saw one, 
he promptly acknowledged her appreciation by 
crossing to where she sat upon the hearth and 
licking her face. Oddly enough, in a coun- 
try where dogs were so plentiful the young 
Garcelons had never owned one. Indeed, 
though Edith did not guess it, until that mo- 
ment the Dona Rosalia had hated a dog on 
sight. 

“But this beast, that has traveled three 
thousand miles out of pure affection — behold ! 


312 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

it is a marvel. He is worthy of highest 
honor. He must sleep softly and feed daintily, 
no?” 

In vain Buff’s mistress tried to explain the 
very matter-of-fact manner in which he had 
made his memorable journey, “ simply sent to 
me because he had made himself an intolerable 
nuisance at home without me ; ” the lady utterly 
refused to take any other view of the affair 
than that which pleased her fancy. She was 
even delighted with his rowdyish street fight, 
and declared that now they had such a pro- 
tector on the premises she should no longer fear 
the insolence of even tourists ; but when they 
became too inquisitive would neither retire 
from view nor pay any further heed to them 
than merely to set the dog upon them. “ What 
he did to the goat, out of pure courage, he will 
do to these impudent folk for love of us. A 
dog so intelligent that he can cross a continent 
by himself ; well he is a regiment of soldiers in 
his small self, no ? ” 

At which Mr. Mason winked at Edith, as if 
she would better let the matter so rest. Mean- 
ing no disrespect to his hostess, but feeling that 
anything which secured for such an outrageous 


THE RETURN 


313 


animal as poor Buff had proved himself while 
the hackman’s own guest, a decent welcome 
should be left alone. 

It was not till supper was over and Edith 
had told for the second time the story of her 
eventful day that she was able to seek Ysidra 
in her kitchen and satisfy the mother’s hungry 
heart with talk of Alarico. 

“Everything is going to be so nice, Aunt 
Ysidra. It is, indeed. You would not know 
the boy. He is as gentle as a lamb, and seems 
to fairly adore his aunt Dolores. He is all 
eagerness to please her, and she has shown him 
that he can best do that by being what he 
should be here. He will make no more wagers 
on anything, and he will go to work and help 
to support his people.” 

“ But how, child ? Not by the sea, no ! Oh ! 
not by the sea ! ” 

“ No, dear. Not by the sea. He fears it, I 
think ; ” answered Edith gravely, seeing the 
shrinking terror on her aunt’s worn face. “He 
says that losing that money and breaking his 
leg have been the best things ever happened 
to him. They’ve make him stop and think; 
and he realizes that there may be others in the 


314 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

world almost as smart and handsome as Alarico 
Garcelon, Gentleman, of California,” 

The words were out before she knew it and 
Edith caught her breath. She had had a fleet- 
ing picture of her bombastic cousin in his inso- 
lent pride and conceit and had put the thought 
into words. But she need not have feared that 
her plainness would have hurt her aunt. It 
simply passed away unnoticed. Ysidra was 
always preoccupied and not of very nimble wit. 
She had quickly enough understood the words 
u smart and handsome,” and had herself conjured 
up a picture of her idol as she last beheld 
him and as he must now be in his hospital 
bed. 

But her heart was tender toward this stranger 
girl from the north, who was a Garcelon yet 
seemed to think that she, the household drudge, 
was a creature who had, also, the sensibilities 
which could suffer and enjoy. It was a very 
much happier face that was raised toward Edith, 
as she at last said good night, than the girl had 
seen before; and though the “good times,” 
which she prophesied were coming, were as yet 
very vaguely outlined even in her own mind, 
she went to her room with a far lighter heart 


THE RETURN 


315 


than she had fancied, on the night before, could 
ever be possible at Santa Rosa. 

“ After all, it was like a regular home-coming, 
and my beautiful grandmother didn’t seem half 
so much disposed toward dying now, as toward 
living, and even joining in the to-morrow’s 
search for the Garcelon gold mine ! Yet Marta 
said she didn’t remember when the dear woman 
had ever been outside the courtyard. 4 It must 
have been before I was born,’ the child said. 
Imagine ! A perfectly healthy person staying 
in one place so long. But then, Buff, you see she 
didn’t have me — nor you — you base and false 
pretender you ! ” 

Then she gave him an ecstatic hug and 
smoothed a place for him on the foot of her 
bed. He had utterly declined to be separated 
from her, and though the Senora had inquired 
if the girl did not feel afraid to sleep in the 
same room with a real dog, she had raised no 
objection and Buff carried his point. 


CHAPTER XIX 


AN EXCITING JOURNEY 

At breakfast the next morning, with a cheer- 
fulness most delightful to her household, Dona 
Rosalia announced : 

u I, too, will go in the Senor Mason’s carriage 
to this mountain of prophecy. Why not ? Am 
I not still, save for little Alarico, still the head 
of the Garcelons, I ? It is fitting, yes, that I 
should be present at this so important discovery. 
If it is truth Susana says then indeed will the 
old times come again to Santa Rosa. Ah ! you 
shall see, my Jesuita’s daughter, what is the 
race from which you sprung. We will restore 
the old chapel first, and the stranger chamber, 
to bring a blessing on the home. All the great 
rooms shall be made new and we will open the 
doors wide to all the world. That is, yes, the 
world which is worth knowing. Then, too, 
shall the great mission school that Dolores 

desires be built and endowed forever ; so that 
316 


AN EXCITING JOURNEY 317 

if decay again comes to us the poor shall lack 
nothing. Ah ! I am a girl again ! Alarico, my 
son is gone, but Edith, my daughter, is returned 
to me out of the north. There is the hand of 
Providence in all things, and in this, also.” 

They listened in silence but with increasing 
enthusiasm. Eleazer, alone, retained all his 
former skepticism concerning any “mine,” but 
entered none the less heartily into the prepar- 
ations for this journey of discovery. 

It was so warm and the sunshine so bright 
that the Senora came out to the wagon, wear- 
ing her thin white gown, with the lace mantilla 
over her head, its folds fastened back with sprays 
of some lavender-colored flowers that were 
infinitely becoming, and gave that individual 
touch to her costume which Edith had found 
so charming. 

Indeed, she could not then repress her pleasure, 
and threw her arms about the lady’s neck with 
an impulsive admiration : 

w Oh ! you dear, beautiful creature ! it doesn’t 
seem as if you could be a real grandmother ! 
I never saw anybody like you, never ! ” Then 
she turned to the hackman, exclaiming : “ Just 
imagine Maria, or even Aunty Comfort, setting 


318 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

out for a drive so daintily dressed ! They’d 
think it a positive sin, wouldn’t they?”' 

“I guess they would. But it takes more 
imagination than I’ve got to think of it, yet I like 
it. My compliments, Seenory, and hoping our 
trip will turn out as fine as you look.” 

This was an unprecedented speech for the 
practical Eleazer and he actually blushed as he 
made it. Not so its recipient. She merely 
bowed in her inimitably graceful manner and 
gently said : 

“A thousand thanks, Senor, for your appreci- 
ation. All the good gifts come from Heaven 
and it is right we should use them, yes. What is 
age or youth ? Are not both a part of life and 
therefore excellent, no ? But enough ! La 
Profetisa sits by me, on this most comfortable 
of cushions. Such a carriage will be again at 
San Bosa after the gold is found. Edith and 
Marta on the burros and the wicked Terror 
punished at home in his paddock. Ysidra with 
the little ones will wait our return, for a drive 
will make us all eager for a fine dinner, yes.” 

Indeed, it was so long since the lady had 
been away from the old adobe that the event 
of her doing so now excited her as greatly as 


AN EXCITING JOURNEY 


319 


even little Marta, who felt that her cup of joy 
was overflowing. 

When she had been put upon the burro 
which Eleazer considered the gentler of the 
pair, and Edith had mounted the other, the 
little girl’s face grew younger and merrier every 
minute ; and her cousin, watching her ex- 
claimed : 

u Now, you little Thoughtful, you begin to 
seem like a normal child, and not a family care- 
taker. Forget, for one morning, that there are 
small brothers and sisters to worry about and 
be as jolly as — Juan, even ! Whew ! I was 
nearly off that time. This is my first ride 
burro-back, too, you know ; so let’s see which 
can do the best. After a little, when we’ve 
learned the knack of sticking on, we’ll have a 
race — though not for money, my dear ! Alarico 
has given us enough of that sort of business. 
Heigho ! Isn’t it fine ? and doesn’t our grand- 
mother seem like a child let loose from school \ ” 

“ Maybe. But I never saw a school, I, you 
know.” 

“ Never mind. You’re going to see one and 
be in one sometime, gold mine or no gold mine.” 

To be a student and “learn things out of 



A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 


books” was silent Marta’s great ambition; 
though she had cherished her desire quite se- 
cretly, not even worrying Ysidra with it, since 
she saw no possible way of its accomplishment. 
But she had, in a moment of confidence, and 
upon hearing her new cousin read a charming 
story from one of the books in the old bookcase, 
confided her aspiration to Edith ; whose heart 
reproached her that she had herself so little 
valued the opportunities she had possessed, 
while she earnestly wished that she might secure 
such for the grave little girl beside her. 

u I once heard my grandfather say that if a 
person greatly desired some good thing and 
kept the idea firmly fixed in his mind that he 
would certainly accomplish it — unless some 
extraordinary circumstances prevented. That 
the object would be gradually attained, almost 
without one’s knowing just how. So, we’ll 
keep thinking you’re to have an education, my 
dear, and some time you’ll get it. Now, I can 
manage this saddle better than at first. Let’s 
try a little faster gait, will you ? ” 

They set off swiftly and with every rod’s 
advance the color deepened in Marta’s face; 
till from being the plainest of all her family, 


AN EXCITING JOURNEY 


321 


Edith suddenly discovered that she was, after 
all, the most beautiful. None other of the 
brood had that wide, intelligent brow, that 
firm, sweet mouth, that deep questioning look 
in the dark eyes. 

“Well, if a tiny bit of happiness like this 
can transform the darling so, what would she 
be if she were care-free and happy all the 
time ? We must find that gold mine — we must, 
we must ! Then everybody can have exactly 
what they want. Come on. Another run, if 
you please, small donkey-girl ! ” 

Even old Susana was infused with the en- 
thusiasm of her companions and sat bolt upright 
beside the Senora, chattering incessantly. Much 
of her talk was a jumble of several dialects and 
difficult to understand, even by the Dona 
Rosalia, who had known the aged woman 
always. But she was evidently as happy as 
the rest, and her shrill cackling laughter often 
provoked to laughter on his own part the good 
hackman, who could “ make nary head nor tail 
of all she jabbered.” 

As they neared the mountain, which rose so 
like a pyramid from the table-land, her excite- 
ment increased and it was with difficulty that 


322 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

the Senora was able to keep her in the wagon. 
She had no idea of danger, apparently, and 
more than once attempted to step out over the 
wheel while the vehicle was in rapid motion. 

Each time this happened, however, Buff took 
a share in the affair ; springing up and barking 
at her so viciously that she shrunk back into 
her place, more from fear of him than because 
of the Senora’s remonstrances ; but at length 
the last point where a wagon could pass was 
reached and Mr. Mason stopped his team. Then 
he got out and turned to La Profetisa : 

“Well, Madam, here we be! Now what? 
Think you can manage to ride a burro ? If you 
can an’ the Seenory the other, the younkets can 
walk, as I will, an’ — hooray ! for the mine of 
Golcondy ! ” 

He held out his arms to lift her down, also, 
but she was too nimble for him. However she 
managed to do it, she leaped over the wheel and 
landed upon the ground without any broken 
bones, though her action turned the others’ faces 
pale with fear. But once on the ground she 
could not so readily rise and when Eleazer had 
helped her to her feet again they, for a time, 
utterly refused to support her. 


>. AN EXCITING JOURNEY 


323 


“ My stars and stripes, old lady ! That’s just 
the way a baby acts when it first tries to use its 
legs. I guess you’d better let that be a lesson 
to you an’ not try to do everything without help 
even if you be the smartest old woman in Cali- 
forny. There. That better? Gettin’ control 
of ’em again, are you? All right. Want to 
ride? No? Ruther walk ? Well, travel along, 
but reckon you’d best let me kind of keep a 
hold of you, to steady you. This here trail 
we’ve got to follow ain’t so smooth as a hotel 
floor, is it ? ” 

Susana disdained any reply, even if she heard 
the man’s words. She had grown even more 
excited than ever and her eyes glittered fiercely 
from out the withered face, while her straight 
gray hair had escaped from her blanket head- 
covering and blew about in the fresh breeze 
that had sprung up. 

“ Oh ! Marta ! doesn’t she look like a regular 
witch ! I declare I feel real — spooky ! She 
might have stepped out of Macbeth ! ” 

“ I don’t know, I never saw a witch, and I’m 
not acquainted with Macbeth,” answered the 
girl, seriously. 

Edith laughed. “ Well, you shall become ac- 


324 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

quainted with him as soon as possible, you dear. 
He’s fine company and I have him in my trunk. 
A presentation copy of him, and his friends, that 
I brought. But watch ! Our grandmother is 
going to ride my burro, after all. I’m not sorry 
to walk, though, are you ? And I must keep 
this map Susana gave me in plain sight. Oh ! 
I’m so excited and goose-fleshy ! Think of it ! 
A plain Sissmissit girl going on such a strange 
business as this ! ” 

Indeed, a curious feeling of mingled awe and 
amusement had settled upon all the party save 
La Profetisa. She had promptly recovered 
from her slight accident and was now traveling 
forward and downward into a picturesque valley 
behind the first mountain. On the opposite 
side of the deep canon that bordered the grad- 
ual slope over which she led the way, rose 
other mountains, which were bare of verdure 
and formed by mighty rocks that seemed al- 
most to have been cut by men — or giants — and 
heaped into their present shapes. Far more 
imposing and terrible to sight than if tlreir 
steep sides had been softened by herbage of 
any sort ; and without the strangeness of 
their errand to impress them, not one of the 


AN EXCITING JOURNEY 


325 


beholders would have felt like speech just 
then. 

The ground on their side the canon was level 
enough for the. passage of the burros, and the 
Senora rode one while Eleazer led the other. 
Susana strode ahead, apparently growing fresher 
rather than wearier with every step’s advance, 
while the girls, with Buff, brought up the rear. 

Edith carried her map, well spread out, and 
together with Marta studied it continually ; 
and when after what seemed an interminable 
distance their guide diverted slightly in her 
course and passed under a pile of overhanging 
rocks, Edith caught her breath ; then ex- 
claimed : 

“It is ! that’s the first turn in the drawing. 
See ! see ! ” 

Marta did see and grew white. “ I’m 
afraid ! ” she whispered. 

“ Afraid of getting the means to an educa- 
tion ? ” 

The passage widened into a cave-like apart- 
ment and then narrowed again ; and before 
they observed it, so intent were they in study- 
ing the surroundings, they had passed from 
daylight into a twilight gloom. Even this faint 


326 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

light was soon to disappear, for without any 
wavering Susana moved steadily forward like 
one who knew her way well. 

“ I reckon it’s about time to tie these animals 
and strike a light, ain’t it, Seenory?” asked 
•Eleazer, and his voice sounded queerly in his 
own ears. 

By main strength, the two girls prevented 
Susana from going on without the others, but 
when Eleazer had lighted the two small lanterns 
he had provided, and had securely fastened the 
patient burros, they released their hold of her 
and she immediately hurried on again. 

“ Seems as if she were set on springs, doesn’t 
it ? She’s so excited that she looks fairly wild. 
Did you see how her eyes gleamed in the lan- 
tern-light ? She must often have been here, 
I should think, she knows the way so well. 
She never seems a bit perplexed, does she ? 
Isn’t it delightfully scarey ? I feel — feel — 
Why, Marta ! little Marta ! Are you actually 
crying ? But, child, we’re safe. Here. Come. 
Take hold of Mr. Mason’s hand and I’ll carry 
one of his lanterns. He’s so nice you needn’t 
fear. It won’t seem so dark, either, after we 
get used to it.” 


AN EXCITING JOURNEY 


327 


“ Oh ! I wish I hadn’t come ! ” sobbed Marta, 
clutching Edith’s arm so that it hurt. “ I’m so 
afraid ! ” 

Edith’s own stout heart began to beat a trifle 
more rapidly than usual, but she was not one 
to regret anything she had once decided to be 
right, and she did her utmost to cheer Marta 
and soothe her evident suffering. 

Their underground journey lay through nar- 
row channels, over rough and smooth, across 
roomy chambers which were so wonderful that 
Edith longed to stop and examine them, though 
she could not, for always before her hurried 
the now half -frenzied Susana, closely followed 
by her grandmother; while Eleazer, half-drag- 
ging the terrified Marta, kept as near the 
women as he could. So, with Buff beside her, 
Edith held her own lantern aloft and walked 
behind the rest. 

It is not every such adventure which reveals 
that the truth has been told — as this one did. 
For if, as yet no gold was found, they did 
indeed reach, after a weary progress, and by a 
steady ascent upward through the heart of the 
mountain, a curious vault where the rocks were 
piled exactly as represented in the painted 


328 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

map. And what was that which Edith sud- 
denly perceived ? 

u A number ! a number ! See there ? that 
bit of vermilion on that jagged white stone ? 
There is one on the map, too. There is ! there 
is ! Oh ! we’ve found it, we’ve found it ! you 
dear old Susana, you blessed ! ” 

Impulsive Edith caught the aged woman in 
her arms and hugged her gratefully, but Susana 
shook herself free as soon as possible, and as if 
she had reached the extreme of her power, sank 
down in a startling collapse. But only for a 
moment was attention diverted from the great 
object of this romantic journey, and both the 
Senora and little Marta became almost as ex- 
cited as Edith. 

Mr. Mason had, also, at first appeared to be 
amazed by the successful termination of their 
search ; though his enthusiasm was short-lived ; 
and seeing that he soon ceased to sympathize 
with her delight, the disappointed New Eng- 
lander exclaimed : 

“ Why, Mr. Mason ! Aren’t you glad ? I 
thought you’d be as pleased as we could pos- 
sibly be. You seemed ” 

“ Just what I was, my girl. But — I’m an old 


AN EXCITING JOURNEY 


329 


miner, I am. I’ve tried every sort of mining 
under the sky, I guess, and now I come to ex- 
amine closer this ain’t no gold mine you’ve 
found. Ain’t ary sign of gold or any other 
valuable metal as I see. Nothin’ but a solid 
mass of rocks ’twould take half the dynamite 
in Calif orny to blow up, and just the same when 
done. I guess them stun go clean down into 
China, the other side the globe, and we’ve had 
a tiresome journey for nothin’. Except, of 
course, the satisfaction of having the matter 
settled. My stars ! Look at Susana ! ” 

The old creature did, indeed, now require 
instant attention, and the Senora forgot every- 
thing else in caring for her. 

u How dreadful, if she has led us here to 
meet her own death, yes ! So faithful and so 
good ! Oh ! for some water ! ” 

“ There, Seenory, don’t look so scared. I 
guess she’ll come to, in a minute. And Tm 
thankful to say here’s water. Right in this 
flask. I’m a temperance man myself, and I 
never travel nowhere without a big bottle of 
God’s own restorer in my pocket. Use the top 
of the flask for a cup. There ! I’ll hold her 
head up whilst you force a few drops down 


330 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

her throat. She’s overdone. That’s all. But 
didn’t she travel? Wouldn’t have believed it 
possible if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.” 

The marvel of really finding the spot de- 
picted upon the map of skin was quite forgotten 
now in anxiety concerning their venerable 
guide ; and after a time that seemed very long 
she did open her eyes again and show signs of 
recovery. Then they redoubled their exertions, 
and after a half-hour’s labor of rubbing and giv- 
ing her drinks, she was able to raise herself 
and sit upright. 

“ Now ! Strike while the iron’s hot ! Or 
while the spark of life burns in her. I’ll carry 
her back to where we left the burros and then try 
to fix her on one of them. If we can once get 
her back to the wagon we’ll be all right. Out 
in the air she’ll feel better, too. Now, plan 
how you’ll walk, and one of you girls go ahead 
with one lantern and the Seenory carry the other. 
It best be you, Edith, with your dog. He’ll 
likely smell the road out for us if so be we for- 
get it ourselves. But I guess we sha’n’t. I 
took pretty good notice as we came along ; for 
I got lost once in a cave and I ain’t never for- 
got the experience. Never will, neither. My 


AN EXCITING JOURNEY 331 

stars ! little Marta ! We ain’t lost now. We’re 
merely goin’ straight home.” 

Edith rolled lip her map and carefully secured 
it to her person ; then taking the lantern Eleazer 
handed her set out to retrace her steps. But 
she was so disappointed she could not help a 
few tears coming ; though as these blinded her 
sight she promptly conquered them and pressed 
forward as rapidly as Eleazer was able to fol- 
low, burdened as he was. 

Fortunately they did not lose the direct 
road outward, and to all the party there seemed 
a wonderful glory about the sunshine and free 
air of the outer world when, after a slow and 
weary passage, they again emerged from the cave. 

“ The Cave of Disappointment ! wasn’t it, 
Marta ? But — never mind. It may all come 
right yet.” 

“ We are justly punished for our covetous- 
ness. I, yes, I, at least, should have been wiser. 
When my thoughts should have been upon my 
devotions I let them wander upon the gold that 
perisheth. And if we are permitted to get our 
beloved Susana safe to San Bosa again I will 
possess my soul in peace and in penitence for my 
undue greed.” 


332 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

Edith looked sorrowfully at her beautiful 
grandmother. Beautiful still, in spite of the 
fact that her dainty gown was sadly draggled 
and soiled, and that the fine mantilla had been 
caught and torn upon the projecting rocks which 
had bordered their underground way. But sad- 
dest of all to the eager girl was the fact that 
she could not now hope to see the Senora sur- 
rounded by the comforts to which she had once 
been used, and that would have been so grate- 
ful to her declining years. 

Yet for herself the Dona Eosalia had no re- 
gret. She felt that she had been silly and 
blameworthy, and that by indulging the Pro- 
fetisa’s whims she had allowed the poor creature 
to risk her life. 

So, it was a very quiet company which 
gathered, at last, about the table where Ysidra 
had placed an excellent dinner ; and if it had 
not been for their unusual exertions nobody 
would have had much appetite to eat it. How- 
ever, they did despatch it quite promptly ; and 
even Susana was able to take a small portion 
of soup and a cup of coffee. But she had not 
spoken once since her fainting spell in the cave, 
and the Senora was extremely anxious concern- 


AN EXCITING JOURNEY 


333 


ing her. So when dinner was over she held a 
consultation with Mr. Mason, with the result 
that when he drove away again toward the city, 
La Profetisa lay upon a cot that he had fixed 
in his wagon, and with the hospital where Do- 
lores Garcelon nursed, as her destination. 

Then the Dona Rosalia kissed her grand- 
daughters, again expressed her regret that she 
should have set them so “ foolish an example,” 
and retired to her own apartments. 

The disappointed Ysidra lapsed into a 
gloom which nothing could brighten ; and life 
at Santa Rosa, in spite of its flowers and its 
sunshine, settled into a dreary monotony that 
was very irksome to Edith Hale, though pa- 
tiently accepted as a matter of course by Marta 
and the other children. 

Mr. Mason came once, about a week after the 
visit to the cave, and reported that he had seen 
La Profetisa safely placed at St. Luke’s, where 
she was receiving all needed attention ; and that 
Alarico’s broken bones were knitting satisfac- 
torily and that he would soon be at home. But 
after he had gone there was no sign of visitors ; 
the hackman’s patrons then happening to prefer 
trips in other directions; while Madam East- 


334 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

man, who might have brought him, was ailing, 
he reported, and apt to leave for Las Vegas at 
any moment. 

“ If it were not for her burros we should have 
nothing to do ! ” exclaimed Edith, on the even- 
ing after Mr. Mason’s one visit. 

“Yes; but we are not to use them, no. Our 
grandmother and my mother have spoken to- 
gether and the end is : the little beasts may stay 
at pasture, yes, but none of the children must 
ever sit upon their backs again. That is what 
my mother Ysidra says.” 

“Oh! Marta! Isn’t that too bad! We 
could have had such lovely rides, over the mesa 
that every day grows more beautiful. Oh ! 
would it do no good to ask them again ? ” 

But Marta shook her head gravely. 

“ What my mother and my grandmother say 
is always done. Yes. I have never known it 
any other way, I.” 

“ Oh ! dear ! I did want to put all this mine- 
story out of mind ; but if I have nothing to do 
I shall keep thinking about it all the time. 
Oh ! I do hate to give that all up ; and since 
the map was so true ” 

Marta interrupted, in horror : 


AN EXCITING JOURNEY 


335 


w But it is the sin, yes ! Else would old 
Susana never have been stricken speechless ; 
and there is a curse upon the whole matter, my 
mother Ysidra says. Also, that if the good God 
wished to make us rich He could have put the 
gold right in our hands instead of burying it 
beneath great rocks in a dark cave. But, no. 
He means us to be but poor, and one should be 
content. Talk no more of the place, dear, dear 
Edith, else I shall not be let to speak with you 
at all ; and the lessons, are they not enough ? ” 
For Edith had already begun her cousins’ edu- 
cation. 


CHAPTER XX 


FAVOR AND DISFAVOR 

Alarico lay sprawled under the shade of a 
palm tree behind the old adobe and Edith Hale 
sat near him, idly plaiting a wreath of blossoms 
for little Juan, curled up by her side. 

The faces of both cousins were grave and the 
expression of the lad’s almost hopeless. Watch- 
ing him intently for a time the girl, at last, spoke. 

u Do shorten up your countenance, Larry. It 
doesn’t help matters to wear such a despairing 
look. Things seem to have reached their very 
worst, just now, and there must come a change 
of some sort. Let us make it a change for the 
better.” 

u Pshaw ! You can make it a change, yes. You 
should go back to your friends in the north. 
There is no need for you to starve because we 
must. No. If you write them the letter I will 

get it stamped, in some way, and they will 
336 



EDITH SAT PLAITING A WREATH 






I ' . • ■ I 

■ ' 












' 





























































FAVOR AND DISFAVOR 


337 


gladly send the money for your return, yes. 
Write it to-day, why not?” 

“Oh! you inhospitable! Going to turn me 
out like that ! Are you then so tired of me, 
yes ? ” she asked, imitating his manner of speech. 

“ Light of the old adobe, what shall I say that 
will convince you how much we all care to have 
you here, yes ? But — to see you starve — ah ! 
that is not to be borne. In truth.” 

Edith tossed her wreath over the dark head 
of the sleeping baby and laughed. So merrily 
that Alarico looked up in anger and would have 
gone away but she laid a restraining hand upon 
his arm and he fell back again. 

“ Look here, my cousin. Let’s hear no more, 
think no more, of that horrid word — starving. 
And I laugh because it does me good to hear you 
talk extravagantly once more. You have been 
so good, so very good and common-sensey for 
so long that I began to fear for you. It was so 
unnatural, you see. No, Larry. I’m in earnest 
enough, yet I will not believe but that a way 
out can be found.” 

“ It surely can be for you. I’ve been thinking 
it, too, this long. Indeed, yes. You should go 
home.” 


22 


3a8 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ I thought San Rosa had become my home, 
Larry.” 

“ If it could keep you without all this misery, 
yes. But for you there is no need.” 

Edith dropped her chin in her hands as she 
rested her elbows on her knees and answered 
him. 

“ If I should only be a burden to you all I 
would not stay. But I do not mean to be that, 
and I, too, am Garcelon. Please remember that, 
my friend. Also, that in coming here I was 
obeying the command of my mother and father. 
If the way had been all pleasant for me you 
would not have objected, I think. Then am I 
such a weak, wishy-washy sort of creature that 
I can’t face a little trouble as bravely as any 
other Garcelon, even the young Senor Alarico ? ” 
w You are pleased to be sarcastic, yes.” 
u I am pleased to be anything you choose to 
fancy, until I can rouse you to do something.” 

“ What, pray, Senorita Garcelon-Hale ? ” 

“ Work.” 

“ Humph ! basta ! how ? where ? when ? ” 

“ Listen. You are rousing, I see. I said I 
was Garcelon, too. I am. Just as much and 
as lovingly as I am Hale. I love my beautiful 


FAVOR AND DISFAVOR 


339 


grandmother as well now as I do my saintly 
grandfather up in Sissmissit. I love every one 
of you and I honor my aunt Ysidra more than 
any other woman I ever knew.” 

Alarico sat up now, quickly. He was thor- 
oughly astonished by these words and had his 
cousin been any other girl would not have be- 
lieved them. But there was perfect sincerity 
in her brown eyes and, as if to impress him with, 
a fact that she believed had escaped his notice, 
she repeated : 

“I honor my aunt Ysidra Garcelon more than 
any other woman I ever knew. It is almost 
nine months since I came to Santa Rosa, and in 
all that time I have never seen one single act of 
selfishness on her part. She has toiled for all 
of us early and late. She has hidden her sor- 
rows in her own heart. She has gone without 
the food she needed more than any of us lest we 
should suffer hunger. She has gone without 
sleeping that she might weave her bits of 
lace and sell them to buy us bread. Now, 
I think it’s time to turn the tables and work 
for her.” 

“How, I ask again?” demanded Alarico, a 
flush rising on his thin cheek at the picture of 


340 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

his mother a stranger’s hand had drawn but 
which he had never observed till then. 

“ Let us go to San Pedro and ask for it. I’ve 
heard they could never get enough good hands 
— good ones, mind, such as the Garcelons ! — and 
I’m sure they would employ us. These burros 
could carry us back and forth and our wages 
would keep the family in meal, if in nothing 
better. Then ” 

a Your grandfather ” suggested the lad, 

though he blushed as he did so. 

Edith did not notice his embarrassment, but 
answered his half-uttered suggestion. 

“ No, he can’t help us. He would, gladly, if 
he could. That is he could do but little and 
his own salary is very, very small. It is a little 
country village, you know, and the people are 
none of them rich, except one or two families. 
I know that it takes a great deal of thought and 
the best management on Aunty Comfort’s part 
to make both ends meet at the end of the year, 
and come out free from debt. Debt would al- 
most kill my honest old grandsire and I’ll not 
ask him to incur it for me — till I’ve tried every 
other plan. That bank’s failing and all my 
little fortune — that my parents had saved for 


FAVOR AND DISFAVOR 


34:1 


me — being lost has aged him greatly, Eli wrote, 
just from the -worry of it. I wouldn’t have him 
know how things are with us here, not for any- 
thing.” 

“ The Senor Mason ; would he not advance 
something, yes ? He seems to love you like his 
own, as who would not ! ” 

“ He’s as poor as any of us, almost, just now, 
I guess. He says the boomers bewitched him. 
Any way he put all the money he had in the 
savings bank into real estate in an out-of-the- 
way spot that some folks fancied would promptly 
become a city. He says he often goes out and 
visits the burying-ground where his cash lies 
buried and ponders on his mistakes. Then in 
the summer, too, there has been no business for 
him, and his pretty bays have been eating their 
heads off. In that respect we are richer than 
he, for our animals have food enough on the 
mesa. I sometimes wish that we, too, could eat 
grass ! ” 

Things were, indeed, at a very low ebb with 
the house of Garcelon. It had been an ex- 
tremely hot summer and the little garden, 
planted so enthusiastically in the early spring, 
had produced but little available food. There 


342 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

had been too little water in the old well to 
waste it on the crops, and though there had been 
considerable fruit this had not been a very 
substantial diet for a healthy household. 

Ysidra’s lace work had not sold well. No 
strangers were left in the city, and the few resi- 
dent patrons could not afford large prices. Yet 
this had supplemented the small amount of 
money in her purse, and until now there had 
been food of some sort ready at every meal. 
Now the end was reached. There was no food 
left and no money with which to buy more ; 
and unless they were really to starve, somebody 
must go to work and earn wages. 

“ I don’t think our grandmother will permit 
us to do that, Ed i the. It would be too hard 
for you, and as for me — I am a worthless fellow 
and always have been. If old Susana had only 
really led us to a gold mine ! ” 

“ But she didn’t ; and I’m going to find a 
mine right in my two hands. To-morrow I am 
going to San Pedro and ask for work.” 

“ If the grandmother says no ? ” 

“ If — anything. Unless I am taken suddenly 
ill and can’t. God never meant two perfectly 
healthy people like you and me to sit down 


FAVOR AND DISFAVOR 343 

and wail when there was so much work in the 
world waiting honest people to do it.” 

“Well, then. If you go I must!” sighed 
Alarico, lugubriously. 

u Exactly. I should think you no true de 
seen d ant of the old Californians if you allowed 
me to go alone. We must be up before the 
sun, though, and — and it isn’t going to be very 
funny, you know.” 

u Well ! no girl shall ever shame me by her 
energy ! ” cried the boy, proudly, and Edith 
knew the matter was settled. 

But though she had prophesied difficulties she 
had scarcely realized how great they would be. 
Fortunately they found a short-cut across coun- 
try between Santa Rosa and San Pedro, which 
reduced the distance to eight miles, but even 
this was a long ride before beginning a day’s 
toil and a longer one, seemingly, after the day 
was over. The work was easily secured ; Edith 
to assist in the olive-packing department, and 
Alarico in the lemon orchards. The picking 
season was at its height and the wages paid 
seemed fabulously large to the New-England 
reared girl ; so that at the end of the first week 
the pair of toilers were able to carry home to 


344 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 


Ysidra a sum quite sufficient to keep hunger 
away, and Edith was overjoyed at the success 
of her experiment. 

“Why, Larry boy! Just think! After 
we’ve lived on so little how easily we could 
begin to lay up something. Don’t you suppose 
we might in time get enough to have the ranch 
irrigated ? If we could, if only once we could 
get the precious water on our own land, we 
could raise lemons and olives and — and every- 
thing. Then we would sell them and — heigho ! 
Who’d care for anybody’s old gold mine, then ? 
And if Madam Eastman should ever have the 
water brought to her ranch — if she and grand- 
mother should grow to be friends, that is if the 
Madam comes back another year, if ” 

“Don’t send any more of those gigantic c ifs ’ 
flying in my face, cousin mine. You’re the 
bravest little girl in the world, and your coming 
to Santa Rosa has been the salvation of the 
Garcelons. Yet — you forget. One must not 
only eat, but one must wear clothes. It is long 
since there was anything new at Santa Rosa.” 

“ Oh ! well. All in good time. One thing — 
we’re learning just how to take care of such 
fruits when we do raise them ; and now, since 


FAVOR AND DISFAVOR 


345 


that notion has come into my head, I don’t 
think I’d give up working at San Pedro even if 
we did happen to find the mine.” 

A few days later there was a half -holiday at 
the San Pedro ranch, and Edith begged a big 
sheet of packing paper from the manager of 
the lemon houses on which to write a charac- 
teristic letter to her old schoolmate, Derby 
Saunders. His health was not just then as 
good as his parents would have liked, and he 
had been making inquiries about ranch life in 
the sunny country where Edith now dwelt. 

“For you see,” Derby had written, “I shall 
never make anything but a farmer of some sort ; 
and I’ve no notion of anything so small as New 
Hampshire. Not that it’s not the dearest old 
state in the Union but — I’m wild for California. 
Your grandfather says you’ve gone to study 
lemon culture on one of the biggest ranches 
down there and he’s very pleased about it. He 
says: ‘As long as she could not conveniently 
go on with a different education, I admire her 
ambition to do the best she can.’ We all, your 
old friends, you know, think you’re dreadfully 
smart; but couldn’t you have learned it all 
without that sort of apprenticing yourself to it ? 


346 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

Any way, write all you know and I’ll coax my 
folks to come down there this next winter, if 
I can. I suppose you know Letty Squibbett 
enters college this autumn. Whew ! if I had 
the brains that girl has I wouldn’t be a mere 
farmer, not even in that wonderful land of the 
olive and myrtle. (See Byron, or some other 
poet.) Good-by, from Derby.” 

Edith began her letter with a sketch of a 
lemon-house, which she described as a u lot of 
houses within a house. All air-tight, except 
where they’re ventilated — through the top, as 
we do the ice-houses up north. Did you know 
that the lemons were not sold fresh from the 
tree as we used to think ? I wish you could 
see the care with which they are gathered. 
Only the most trusted workmen are ever al- 
lowed to pick or ‘ clip ’ them, and they do it so 
carefully. The men usually can tell at a glance 
whether the lemons are right for picking, and 
that means when they are of the right size — so 
that about three hundred will fill a box, of a 
certain size, as they are marketed. They don’t 
pay any attention to the color or ripeness or 
anything except size. The clippers stand on 
ladders and have a shallow oval basket hung 


FAVOR AND DISFAVOR 


347 


to this. In the bottom of the basket is a piece 
of burlap, and when about seventy-five are 
clipped this basket is handed down to an as- 
sistant who carries it to the picking box. They 
put a piece of burlap in this box, too, and slide 
one small end of the basket into it. Then they 
sort of wiggle the lemons out of the basket 
on to the burlap, as gently as if they were eggs 
and would break. 

“My cousin Alarico is now a clipper’s as- 
sistant, and he got himself docked a whole lot 
of money the other day, because he was careless 
and bruised the lemons. I’ve been promoted 
to sorting, or putting in trays in the curing 
house. A great many trays are filled, or cov- 
ered by one depth of lemons — Oh ! that doesn’t 
sound right but you must guess some things, 
Derby. It will sharpen your wits ! and I’d 
rather show you the thing than write it all. 
Well, these trays are put in one of the little in- 
side rooms of the house, a pile as high as one 
can reach, one above the other. These rooms 
inside are tight as can be, except for the slats 
in the tops. Around them or over them is an- 
other house built, and a hall runs all round the 
inner rooms between their walls and the outside 


348 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

walls and the windows to that are tight shut. 
There the lemons are left to be cured — just as if 
they’d been sick, and it takes a long, long time. 
When the manager finds that enough are cured 
he ships them east for you to make your lemon- 
ade.” 

“What are you wasting your time writing 
such a long, queer letter for, Edith ? ” interrupted 
Alarico. “ Do you know the boss of the olives is 
wanting you ? He’s going to give you a chance 
at the pickling if you like, and that will pay 
you better than the other work. Only, you’ve 
got to keep your wits about you every minute. 
If you do right you’ll be over, or boss of, an- 
other lot of girls, and fine feathers, is it not ! 
Come, he is waiting.” 

So Edith folded her paper and went with her 
cousin ; to have the pickling of the famous 
olives of San Pedro explained to her, and be- 
cause of the exceeding care with which she had 
followed her simpler task to receive this im- 
portant charge. 

The superintendent explained : 

“ After the olives are carefully picked from 
the trees — not pulled or raked off — we put them 
immediately into this solution of lye and leave 


FAVOR AND DISFAVOR 


349 


them exactly four hours. Then we run off the 
lye — through the spigots, so — and immediately 
again — never delay in your olive curing — fill 
the vats with clear water. This water will be- 
come discolored and is then drawn off and the 
lye solution put in again, a fresh solution each 
time. * You are to see that this is done exactly 
as I tell you, and to have charge of a certain 
number of vats. We are anxious to train girls 
or women to this work, hoping for fewer accidents 
from carelessness or rough handling.” 

“ I should think lye would make them — 
horrid. As bad as a fresh olive, indeed. I 
tried those, I remember, the first day I came 
here.” 

“ No. It is not strong enough, but is used to 
firm the fruit and extract the bitterness. The 
brine is made very weak, at first, and afterward 
increased in strength. It is to be measured and 
prepared exactly. After the olives have been 
soaked in water several days, till all the lye is 
taken out, then the brine is put on : four ounces 
of salt to a gallon of water. This first, if you 
mistake here you will spoil a great crop and cost 
our boss a pile of money. Are you willing to 
take care?” 


350 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

“ I am willing, but afraid I am not wise 
enough.” 

“ The art requires little wisdom though exact 
obedience and unfailing watchfulness. Your 
wages will nearly double and you will be learn- 
ing a great industry. I’ve heard a little about 
your ambition to do something with the San 
Rosa land, and now’s your chance to learn. 
Alarico Garcelon should learn, also, but he is 
impatient and headstrong. He cannot make 
himself a servant to anybody or for any purpose. 
That is, not for long at a time. If he does not 
change somewhat we wfill not be able to give 
him any other work here, except that of a vac- 
quero or even a herder. That wouldn’t suit his 
high stomach, I fancy. Will you try ? ” 

“ Yes. I will try.” 

The superintendent was better pleased by her 
answer than if it had been a confident one. He 
had watched her closely and delighted in her 
exactitude as much as he had been displeased 
by the I-know-it-all air of her cousin. Yet the 
lad had good points, and when he did force 
himself to work at all steadily, his capability was 
great. 

But that very day disaster lay in wait for 


FAYOR AND DISFAVOR 


351 


him. He had been sent to work in one of the 
lemon houses, and for a time kept faithfully at 
his task; then another assistant happening to 
say something which the Californian interpreted 
to be a reflection upon himself and the preten- 
sions of his family, his blood rose and a haughty 
demand, followed : 

“ Prove it ! now ! here ! ” and with warlike 
mien he rolled his sleeves and prepared for in- 
stant combat. 

The contestant was of another nation, none 
the less hot-blooded ; and in a moment they were 
deep in a silent bitter struggle. On either side 
there was no give up ; and they gradually 
worked themselves along the narrow hall of the 
outer house till they reached the platform and 
the unrailed steps. This platform was several 
feet high and narrow. The wrestlers reached 
the edge and — were over it. For a little time 
both remained upon the ground, stunned by the 
sudden fall ; then Alarico rose and limped away, 
with a very battered countenance and a sprained 
ankle, which gave him such excruciating pain 
as made him forget everything else. 

The other man, a newcomer and probationer, 
also slunk away, fearing the reprimand of an 


352 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

overseer, for discipline was strict at San Pedro, 
and just then “fighting with or without cause” 
sternly prohibited. Neither paid any heed to 
the lemon house, or to the fact that they had 
left it open to the damaging effects of light and 
heat, besides the strong draught from a stiff 
breeze that had sprung up. /Jhis particular 
building was rather remote from the main part 
and did not attract the attention ot anybody 
until nightfall, by which time a very great 
damage had been wrought. 

Word of the discovery of this injury came to 
Alarico as he was saddling Terror for his home- 
ward ride, that was to be a solitary one that 
evening, since Edith had long since finished 
her letter and hurried away, presumably to 
share what remained of her holiday with her 
cousins. 

“ Basta ! That’s what comes of trying to 
make one’s self a laborer ! If I had not been 
so industrious, I, and worked the over-time for 
a pay when I should have taken holiday with 
the rest, it would not have happened, no. My 
ankle ! But it is worse than the broken bones ! 
Ugh ! ouch ! well, what of it ? I can labor no 
more here, you say, yes ? Then take my com- 


FAVOR AND DISFAVOR 


353 


pliments to your master, tlie compliments of a 
Garcelon, who owned all this country before he 
was born, and when he needs my service further 
let him seek it. So ? As for the trumpery fruit 
— why, some day, when my ships come home, I 
will repay. Yes. Adios ! ” 

The handsome youth rode away with an in- 
solent disdain that raised a smile upon the faces 
of the beholders. 

“Doesn’t that fellow beat the lot? He’s 
completely in the wrong, and yet he bears him- 
self as if we were all dirt beneath his horse’s 
hoofs ! Well, my lad ! I reckon you’ll toil no 
more here, unless it be in the humble capacity 
of stable boy. Even that is doubtful.” 

Edith, meanwhile, had ridden slowly away 
upon her burro, but not toward home as her 
cousin had supposed. Instead of taking the 
short cut thither she turned aside and struck 
into the valley between the mountains, and 
finally gained that point of entrance through 
which Susana had once guided her into the 
Pyramid. 

u It’s the very spot, Buff dear ; and my time is 
quite my own for the rest of the day. I shall 
always believe that there is some sort of wealth 
23 


354 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

hidden here, even if, at first, we did miss all traces 
of it. You and I, little doggie, will try now for 
ourselves, and we may achieve the glory of 
discovery ! I’m going to ride in as far as I can. 
I’ve put three whole candles and some matches 
in the top of that great basket of fruit the 
manager gave me for my grandmother. Won’t 
she be pleased with it ? won’t it be more the 
attention, even, than the gift? Old people, 
though she doesn’t seem old — but she and grand- 
father, too, do like to be remembered. I saved 
my lunch to eat as a supper in here and you 
shall share it. We fed well at noon at the ranch 
house, for whenever it’s holiday, they say the 
family send out a nice feast to the work folks. 
I’m one of the work folks now, Buff, but I like 
it. And I’ve been promoted, sir. You must 
treat me with due respect, boy, and not jump 
up and lick my face every time the whim takes 
you. That hurts my new dignity, you see, 
though it warms my heart. Oh ! Buff ! you 
are the very blessedest dog in all the world ! 
And you and I are going to find a gold mine 
all by ourselves, this time ! That makes it even 
more delightfully spooky and exciting than it 
was before. Have you courage, good fellow \ 


FAVOR AND DISFAVOR 


355 


For suppose — just suppose, my Buff, that we 
should take the wrong turn ? We’d be lost in 
a cave, Buff, lost ! and who knows when we 
should get out ? Yet, it’s worth venturing and 
— here goes ! ” 


CHAPTER XXI 


TO THE RESCUE 

Nobody at San Pedro expected to see Alarico 
Garcelon there again after his ruinous careless- 
ness of that half-holiday ; yet early on the 
second morning following he rode furiously up 
to the manager’s office and demanded excitedly : 
“ Is my cousin Edithe here ? ” 

“I don’t know. I haven’t been about the 
place yet, and I was in the city yesterday. I’ve 
just been hearing about you, sir, and you 
may consider yourself permanently discharged. 
What’s wrong with your foot ? ” 

The gentleman finished his speech not un- 
kindly for, despite his many faults, there was 
something very winning and lovable about the 
hot-headed Californian. 

“ Oh ! that’s where I sprained it in that fight. 
I was wrong, sir, and I am not ashamed to 
apologize, I. I’ve had time to cool off and I 
ought to be horsewhipped, sir, I had in truth. 
I ” 


356 


TO THE RESCUE 


357 


“ Quite correct. Yet reserve your apologies. 
They will not help the matter in your case, 
though I appreciate your humbling your pride 
to make them. My orders are from the pro- 
prietor and are final. I’m sorry, too, for it will 
make your cousin’s ride to and fro a lonely one. 
She’d better arrange to stay here all the time. 
I think there’d be little difficulty about it. The 
folks at the house like her amazingly.” 

“ Yes, sir, they’d be sure to. She’s very 
lovable and as true as steel. But what I want 
to find out is where she is. Do you think 
they’d tell me at the house ? or be able to do 

so ? Or is she at work ” 

“ Didn’t I just say that I knew nothing about 
her ? except that the day before yesterday she 
was promoted to a very important post here. 
That speaks more for the opinion in which she 
is held than an hour’s talk.” 

Alarico raised his hat and galloped away to 
the residence of the proprietor. San Pedro 
was as famous for its hospitality as its vast 
business interests and he hoped that Edith had 
been invited to remain there during the time 
she had been missing from Santa Rosa. 

Yet inquiries failed to elicit any information. 


358 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

When they came to consider the matter nobody 
had seen her since the holiday afternoon. Was 
she not at home still ? 

No; she had not been at home. Not at all 
since then. She had ridden away, he believed, 
upon her burro and with Buff traveling behind 
her, that day ; but what had become of her 
Alarico could not guess. The Dona Rosalia 
was frantic with anxiety, and as for the mother 
Ysidra she could neither eat nor sleep. If it 
had been one of her own brood, yes, even the 
little Juan, who was so missing she could not 
suffer more. No ; and what should be done ? 
Where should he look for her, with his lame 
ankle that was but the just punishment for his 
badness, yes ? Where ? 

Nobody could suggest where. Was it not 
a straight road home ? Was not the country 
perfectly safe ? Had he searched all along the 
route ? 

Yes, he had searched. He had gone out 
the night before and had ridden even then, 
despite his pain, almost back to the gates of 
San Pedro. Quite to the gates he would have 
come but that he feared the ridicule of his old 
companions. Was not a girl who could travel 


TO THE RESCUE 


359 


three thousand miles alone, as he had often 
boasted, was not she wholly capable of crossing 
a few miles of level mesa ? 

So he had gone back to his people and 
nobody had slept at all for the anxiety, no. 
Now — he was at his wits’ end, yes. 

Indeed, he seemed so; for he rode every- 
where over the great ranch, to places likely and 
unlikely, questioning, searching, always receiv- 
ing a negative answer, and always leaving a 
trail of sympathetic anxiety behind him. For 
all who had ever seen her remembered the 
bright beauty and cheerfulness of the young 
easterner, with her straightforward smile and 
word and her resolute determination to do what- 
ever she had to do in the very best manner 
possible. Her thoroughness had already be- 
come a household word at San Pedro and her 
example been used to stimulate the efforts of 
other women- workers there. 

The fruitless search over the great ranch 
consumed several hours ; during which Alarico 
never relaxed his efforts for a moment, even 
though his bandaged ankle gave him great pain 
and the want of food began to turn him faint. 
But at noon he rode back to the office of the 


360 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

manager and liis expression was now so hope- 
less and distraught that that gentleman made an 
employee lift the lad from his saddle and help 
him to lie down upon a lounge. 

“Now, fetch him a tray of food and a big 
bowl of coffee. After he has eaten he’ll feel 
better and we’ll talk the matter over. No, boy. 
Not a word till after your lunch.” 

The meal did refresh the weary fellow, and 
in a measure restored his hope. Yet every 
time he thought of Edith, and that serious 
harm had probably come to her, his heart sank 
and he turned giddy with foreboding. 

“ Oh ! sir. Not till she was lost did any 
of us understand how dear she had become. 
Always the helping hand, always the tender 
word and smile, always the courage to sustain. 
In truth. There have been dark days at San 
Rosa since the months when she came, but never 
once has she been discouraged, never lost sight 
of the good time coming. Why, even here, she 
was learning everything, everything, so that 
sometime — if things should ever brighten with 
us and we be able to get the precious water — 
she would know how to do at San Rosa as you 
all do at San Pedro. There were to be orange 


TO THE RESCUE 


361 


groves and lemons, yes ; and the olive — was 
she not to take care of the olives here ? Are 
not the olives of San Pedro the finest in the 
world? and what she did here for the master 
she would do by and by, when the good time 
came, for her own. And when on the very 
darkest day of all I urged her to go home to 
that safe north where she had friends in plenty 
and every need supplied, would she go ? Not 
she, in truth. c Am I not, too, a Garcelon ? 
Shall I turn my back upon my own kindred to 
whom my parents sent me, even after they were 
dead, because there is no money in their purse ? 
No. Not I. I have not so learned to love and 
understand you all. Blood is thicker than 
water, yes ; and where I am there I will stay 
until the time comes that everything is bright. 
Yes.’ Am I to blame then if I grieve for 
her ? But I must get up and find her. I must 
indeed.” 

The lad’s distress communicated itself to 
others. In a short time the disappearance of 
the new olive-girl had become the one topic 
of discussion. 

“She might have been captured by roving 
Indians — if there were any Indians left in Cali* 


362 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

fornia with spunk enough to bother anybody. 
For the sake of reward they might exert them- 
selves ” 

“ Who’s seen an Indian lately ? ” 

u Nobody.” 

w Couldn’t be tramps either. Tramps don’t 
come to this county to be caught in a trap, for 
it’s the last down in the country and they’d 
starve to death over the border, in Mexico.” 

The news came to the master’s ears and im- 
mediate action was taken. He sent for his 
chief manager and directed : 

“ Form a half-dozen bands of our best riders. 
Give them the swiftest horses. Let each band 
be led by a cool-headed, trustworthy person. 
Let food and stimulants and a blanket be car- 
ried by each party. Appoint to each a separate 
part of the country, arrange upon a code of 
signals, and — find that girl ! I’d rather lose 
every crop on the ranch than that an innocent, 
helpless child should come to harm. Scatter ! 
Five hundred dollars to the man who finds her. 
A thousand to him who brings her in safe and 
sound. Go.” 

Thus the chivalrous gentleman ordained, and 
he was promptly obeyed ; while even to his 


TO THE RESCUE 


363 


explicit commands the manager added others. 
Among these that each searcher should carry 
food and light for the approaching night, so 
that none need give over the chase because of 
hunger or darkness. 

Naturally, the news was spread by these many 
bands in every direction, so that ere many hours 
had passed there was scarcely a person in the 
whole countryside who had not heard of Edith’s 
disappearance and felt an almost personal inter- 
est in her return. 

Yet it was at least twenty-four hours after the 
search began before news of it penetrated to 
Eleazer Mason’s cottage, where he lay a prisoner 
to pain and feeling his lumbago a trouble so 
great he cared not whether he lived or died. 

Things had gone badly with the hackman, 
indeed ; small losses had followed the great 
sinking of his capital in unproductive land ; one 
of his pet horses had run a nail into its foot and 
would be useless for an indefinite time. Be- 
sides these matters, his surrey needed w doing 
up ” for the winter’s work, should he be able 
then, to supply the lame bay’s place and regain 
his former custom. He felt miserably old and 
lonely and discouraged ; and lay listening dis- 


364 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

mally to the voices of passers-by, borne to him 
through his open window. 

“ Any trace of the lost girl yet, neighbor ? ” 
asked one. 

“ Not a trace. Seems as if the earth had 
opened and swallowed her up.” 

“Maybe it has. Earthquakes are not un- 
known in California.” 

“True enough. But there hasn’t been one 
lately.” 

“ San Pedro’s doing the square thing, isn’t he ? 
Hear he’s stopped all hands that’s possible and 
sent them all over creation. Offered a thousand 
dollars, too, to the one who finds her.” 

“ Oh ! he’s square, that ranchman is. A 
thousand dollars ! Jewhittaker ! I wish I 
could strike it that lucky ! ” 

“ A lot of folks do, too. Somebody’ll get it, 
sure. She must be fouud. ’Tain’t possible she 
won’t be — dead or alive. What did you say 
her name was ? ” 

“ Hale, I believe. She’s a relative of the 
Garcelons, at San Rosa. Been working at San 
Pedro for some time and had just been pro- 
moted to tend the olive-pickling. The Super- 
intendent at the ranch says she was the smart- 


TO THE RESCUE 


365 


est, most reliable young woman he’d ever tried 
at the business. They’re experimenting with 
women-workers, you know, hoping to find them 
more careful. Well, good day. Wish I could 
join the search.” 

“ I believe I will. A thousand dollars ! 
W hy, a thousand dollars would clear my little 
homestead of debt. What’s the name again ? ” 

“ Hale. Edith Hale, Light hair, dark eyes, 
wore a blue flannel dress and rode a piebald 
burro. Had a dog with her. Wish you 
luck.” 

The speakers beneath the open window parted 
to go each his own way, but they had not taken 
two steps before they were halted by one of the 
most terrific yells possible for the mouth of man 
to emit. 

“Hold on! Hold on, I say ! You — you — 
fellows — come in here ! ” 

They paused, irresolute, and Eleazer listened 
with hushed breathing. Then he heard them 
moving on and shouted again : 

“ Help ! Murder ! Come ! ” 

“That ought to fetch ’em,” murmured the 
liveryman, listening afresh. 

In a half-minute the two citizens were within 


366 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

the sick man’s room ; who raising himself stiffly 
upon one elbow demanded fiercely : 

“ What was that outrageous yarn } 7 ou was 
tellin’ each other ! Who’s lost ? Anybody ? 
Quick ! It’s a joke, wasn’t it ? Quick ! ” 

“ Why, Mason ! you sick ! Didn’t know it. 
Sorry to hear it. Anything I can do to help 
you ? ” 

“ Oh ! you pesky fool ? what you wastin’ 
time for ! Who’s lost ? Quick ! ” 

“A girl named Edith Hale. Worker at San 
Pedro. Been lost three or four days now. 
Why ? Know her ? ” 

“ Know — her ! My — soul ! But it ain’t true, 
is it ? ” he begged, piteously. 

“ Most unfortunately it is only too true. Hold 
on. Let me help you.” 

For the old man was trying to leave his bed 
and making a bad job of the matter. But he 
waved his assistant aside, pleading : 

“ Don’t mind me ! I’ll manage some way. 
Go to my stable. Saddle the bay — the sound 
one. Fetch him round here like lightning. 
Fools, fools, fools ! All these days ! my poor 
little lamb ! My pretty creatur’ — and nobody 
had sense to look where they’d find her.” 


TO THE RESCUE 


367 


u Folks are looking fast enough. There’s a 
thousand dollars connected with this business.” 

“ Hang a thousand dollars ! Why, man, that 
girl — that girl is worth millions ! ” 

With the most horrible contortions of coun- 
tenance, yet disdaining assistance, Eleazer got 
himself into riding attire, upon his saddle, and 
was off like a shot, while his visitors watched 
him amazed : 

u Well, I never knew that the old fellow was 
so greedy for cash, but it must have been that. 
Looked as if he were suffering agonies, yet 
clenched his teeth and went ahead. Whew ! he’s 
making that bay travel — he’s clear down street 
already — around the corner — out of sight ! 
Well, I hope he’ll win. He ought to with all 
that grit.” 

But this judgment was wide of the mark. 
For it was love not greed which enabled Eleazer 
Mason to conquer physical disability and ride to 
the rescue. Yet as he rode, fast and furious, 
the astonished bay not recognizing his own 
master in this fierce horseman, it was with a 
defiant hopelessness, so to speak, in his throb- 
lung heart. 

“ Too late ! too late ! She must be dead — 


368 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

starved — long before this. Faster, you brute ! 
what makes you lag like a snail ! ” 

Yet the animal was running as he had never 
run before and lessening the distance between 
the city and Santa Rosa with marvelous rapidity. 

Part way across the mesa, just as the old 
adobe came in sight, Eleazer saw a band of 
horsemen approaching, and rightly divining that 
they were intent upon the same errand as him- 
self, halted till they met him. He saluted the 
leader, none other than the manager who had 
been so especially pleased with Edith’s perform- 
ance of her duties, and asked : 

“ The cave ? Has anybody searched the cave ? ” 
“ What cave ? ” 

“ In Pyramid mountain.” 

“ Didn’t know of it.” 

“ Not where the old Indian woman said was 
a mine of gold ? ” 

“ Pshaw ! she’d never go there alone ! ” 

“ Wouldn’t she ? There’s where we’ll find her 
— dead or alive ! ” 

The manager gave the command, and himself 
fell into line behind Eleazer, who still rode like 
the wind, careless of harm to his beloved bay, 
and now utterly unmindful of any bodily pain. 


TO THE RESCUE 


369 


“Follow your leader ! a clew ! May the best 
man win ! ” 

Dona Rosalia saw these men go thundering 
past the old adobe, so near she could almost 
have hailed them for a word of inquiry, but she 
merely wondered why they should still keep up 
their fruitless haste. Her heart was broken by 
this last calamity ; and like Alarico, she had 
not until then realized how closely into her life 
her northern-born grandchild had grown. For 
once, even her religion offered small comfort to 
her grief, which was as yet too fresh and deep 
for any healing. 

As for Ysidra, she sat all day at a corner of 
the great kitchen fireplace, gazing dejectedly 
into the ashes, and rousing herself only when 
her children’s clamoring for food became too in- 
sistent for denial. 

Marta, patient as ever, kept the little ones as 
quiet as she might, wiping away her own tears 
to soothe them with the hope that : “ Some day, 
when Edith comes, we will again play at school 
keeping. Now, sleep all you can, and trouble 
nobody.” 

Eleazer followed the straight and direct course 
toward the cave that Susana had taught him, and 
24 


370 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

all the air was punctuated by his indignant ex- 
clamations : 

“ The fools ! the fools ! The only place — the 
likeliest place — that idiot Alarico — why didn’t 
— Oh! my stars and stripes! if this old nag 
would only travel ! ” 

They reached the entrance at last. The 
manager and the foremost riders of his party 
almost at the same instant when Eleazer drew 
rein before it; and there they dismounted, 
fastening their horses and preparing to make 
their explorations on foot. But there, unfor- 
tunately, the hackman found that the will which 
had helped him to keep his saddle could not 
sustain his crippled body when he attempted to 
walk. At the first essay he tottered, groaned 
and would have fallen, had not his companions 
caught him up. 

“ I can’t ! Oh ! my soul, I can’t ! yet — I must 
— you don’t know the way — you lose time ” 

“ Don’t worry, Mason. Here, boys. Make a 
litter of your arms. Let them be your feet, 
man, and you use your head to keep us to the 
path.” 

“ Good. Hurry, hurry ! there may still be 
time ! ” 


TO THE RESCUE 


371 


For now that they had come thus near 
the faithful fellow’s impatience was uncontrol- 
lable, and he was gaining confidence that by 
some sort of miracle he should find Edith alive. 
That he should find her in some way he had not 
from the first at all doubted. 

Wherever it was possible the men who carried 
their helpless guide traveled at double-quick ; 
but in the narrower spaces they were obliged to 
use a cautious slowness that drove him frantic. 
But he kept them to the right road, preventing 
their turning aside into the easier passages which 
branched off here and there and led none knew 
where. Their well-trimmed lanterns gave plenty 
of light, and at last they came to the very 
chamber where were the curious markings that 
corresponded to the map of skin. But — the 
chamber was empty. 

“We must stop and get breath, any way. 
Why, this is an odd tiling. We’ve been steadily 
climbing, I should think, ever since the path first 
dipped down and then rose again so suddenly. 
So this is the famous mine, is it ? well, if we 
only had it out of doors what a magnificent 
reservoir it would make ! Do you see, Mason ? 
A great, an immense cup of solid stone ! that 


372 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

looks as if it had been hollowed by day’s work 
for just that purpose ! Wonderful, wonderful 
but ” 

“ But — we’re not all hydraulic engineers, 
man ! Edith isn’t here, yet as sure as I live I 
believe she’s somewhere iu this mountain. 
Let’s back and try the first side passage we 
meet. If she isn’t there, then the next. There 
can’t be so many but we can search them all. 
We must. I must, anyway ! And I’ll give all 
I own or ever could earn to any of you who 
will help me ! Don’t give up, sir ! Don’t ! ” 

“ Why, Mason, we’ve no thought of giving 
up — yet. I don’t see how anybody could be 
alive after being lost so long, but — we don’t 
give up any sooner than you. Now', let’s go 
back, as you say, but place some sort of guide- 
marks to this place ; and I say silence is the 
best for a time. Then, at regular intervals, 
we’ll try hallooing. Back, lads, with your 
guide.” 

Back they retired, to a roomy passage which 
seemed to invite their exploration, and to a 
question of one of his hearers, Eleazer answered 
hoarsely : 

“ Yes. Try it ; and pray, boys ! Pray as you 


TO THE RESCUE 


373 


never did before tliat we be led aright ! For 
she’s the bonniest maid the sun ever shone upon 
and the world without her — Hark ! Hark ! 
HARK, I say!” 

A sound came to them. Faint and muffled 
but unmistakable. 

“ A dog ! That’s a dog barking ! Her dog ! 
It is ! The little yellow cur that was sent clear 
across the continent — for this ! ” 


CHAPTER XXII 


THE MINE AT LAST 

They followed that blessed barking over the 
rambling passage through wliicli it led them, 
sometimes hearing it distinctly, as if the dog 
were close at hand, and again so faintly that 
their hearts sank, believing even he had reached 
his last breath. 

Then at a sudden turn it was quite close ; and 
hurrying around a projecting wall of rock, like 
the buttress of a cathedral, they found the girl 
they sought. 

She was lying upon the floor of the cavern, 
and for a time did not respond to their cries of 
delight ; but finally, when Eleazer managed to 
slide down beside her and lift her head to his 
breast, she revived from her exhaustion and 
gazed with half -shut eyes at the group the lan- 
tern light showed. 

The manager held a cup of water to her 
374 


THE MINE AT LAST 


375 


lips and she swallowed it eagerly. Then she 
faintly gasped : 

14 Buffi ” 

But tender arms had already lifted the fam- 
ished little creature and the blessed life-giving 
water was slowly trickled down his eager 
throat, while men who had not wept for years 
cried now like babies for sheer joy. 

There was food and drink in plenty among 
the searchers ; but it was administered most 
cautiously, though both girl and dog would have 
eaten ravenously had they been allowed. 

At the end of an hour Edith declared herself 
all right and able to tell her story. 

“ After we came in, nearly I am sure, to the 
chamber of the map, we must have made a 
mistake. * I didn’t believe it at first, and went 
back at once to find the other road. I couldn’t 
find it. The more I tried the more confused I 
got. Then I stopped trying and just waited 
still. It wasn’t so bad. There was my luncheon 
un tasted, and the big basket of fruit that was 
sent to grandmother. The oddest thing was 
that the dear little burro followed us. She 
has been so used to having Buff beside her that 
when he left her she began to bray wildly and 


376 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

he to bark, and then she came. It is roomy 
enough, you know, for all you great men have 
come now. If she hadn’t come with the basket 
on her saddle we would have starved, but she 
came. Then you ; and now — do you know 
this cavern isn’t all dark ? ” 

They half-believed her mind was wandering. 
She was certainly growing stronger every mo- 
ment and not nearly so much in haste to leave 
the scene of her entombment as her friends 
were to have her. That is, all save the manager, 
an expert, as Eleazer had scoffed, in hydraulic 
engineering. 

“What do you mean, dear? Would you 
rather tell us here, or wait till we get outside ? ” 

“ Here, please. And I wish all of you would 
put out your lanterns for a moment — if you 
have matches to light them again.” 

“ Plenty of matches.” 

“ Then listen. Be as still as I had to be in 
here alone.” 

They obeyed her. After a little, through 
the silence, they heard a dull roaring sound as 
of water falling over a precipice. Indeed, the 
ear of the expert had caught this almost as 
soon as he entered that part of the cave. 


THE MINE AT LAST 


377 


w Do you hear anything ? ” 

“ It is water,” answered the manager, ex- 
citedly. 

“ Now wait. Have your eyes grown used to 
the darkness?” 

u Yes. It is pitch dark,” said one. 

“Not quite. Please give me your hand,” 
turning toward the engineer. 

He placed it in hers and she guided it till it 
pointed in a certain direction. 

“ There. It is light that way. Faintly, like 
a glimmer, but never changing for hours to- 
gether. Then it will go away. I made out 
the difference between day and night that way. 
I believe there is a little crack in the moun- 
tain right straight through to the top and the 
outside world. Somewhere beyond here, too, 
is a little stream of water. I have stumbled 
upon it once or twice, in my creepings around 
the cave. If you light your lanterns again 
maybe you can find it.” 

They did find it, and that it was of the purest, 
coldest quality. It was to the occasional drinks 
from this stream and to the basket of fruit the 
burro had brought inward to her that Edith 
owed the preservation of her life. 


378 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

u But the burro ? What of her ? ” 

“ I don’t know. She hung around us till she 
was famished and I had nothing to give her. 
So I drove her back along the passage. I hoped 
her instinct might help to find a way out, even 
where my human reason failed. Buff would 
have gone clear back, I guess, only I got fright- 
ened and called him to me. I should have died 
without him, precious doggie ! But with him 
I just kept waiting till — you came. Now ” 

“ Now, let’s get out into God’s sunlight as 
soon as we can ! ” cried Eleazer, futilely trying 
to rise. 

“ Yes. But I suppose the inside of the world 
is His, too, dear friend. I’ve done such a lot of 
thinking since I’ve been in here, and it seems 
to me that everything in life — or death— will 
be so rich, so full of meaning and of purpose to 
me always now. Why, Mr. Mason ! can’t 
you get up ? Are you so lame ? Yet have 
come away into this buried place to hunt me 
up?” 

“ The pesky rheumatism or -lumbago. That’s 
all. An’ these fellows here were spoil in’ for 
somethin’ to do, so hauled me in their arms. 
Arms enough to go round, boys ? Make a litter 


THE MINE AT LAST 


379 


for her, too ? If not you take her out first then 
come back for me.” 

But two of the strongest, the manager for 
one, made a chair of hands as children do, and 
thus bore their restored heroine backward to 
light and safety. Yet the engineer directed 
that at every few paces one of the party should 
leave some sort of landmark as a future guide 
to the chamber where they had found Edith ; 
for he meant to make a prompt return thither, 
and believed that from his second visit there 
would result inestimable benefit. 

When they had at last reached the outer 
valley again and she felt the sunshine on her 
face and saw through her blinking eyes, unable 
yet iabear the full radience, so very fair the 
earth seemed that her courage for the first 
time deserted her, reaction came, and bowing 
her head against Eleazer’s arm she sobbed 
aloud : 

u Oh ! what if you had not come ! ” 

They let her weep for a moment, believing it 
would best relieve the tension of her nerves, 
and then the manager could no longer restrain 
his eagerness. 

“ My dear young lady, was it gold that old 


380 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

La Prof etisa mentioned ? Was there ever any 
use of the word gold ? ” 

“Why — I don’t know. I don’t remember 
that there was. Do you, Mr. Mason ? ” 

“No. Not once. What she said was 
‘ wealth ’ ; but wouldn’t anybody naturally think 
that signified a gold mine ? Eh ! What ? ” 

“ Then I have to congratulate you. If I am 
not widely, very, very widely mistaken, you 
have discovered in the heart of Pyramid moun- 
tain something far more valuable than either 
gold or silver. And that is — Water ! ” 

“ Water ! ” 

“ Aye, water. Without which California is 
a desert ; with which she is an inexhaustible 
treasure-house. Within that mountain — and it 
is all on the San Rosa land, hitherto considered 
worthless, — sounds the roar of a limitless flood ; 
with a natural-made reservoir of immeasurable 
capacity ; that flood rightly utilized and stored 
in that reservoir will irrigate this whole parched 
section till it rivals or exceeds in richness San 
Pedro itself ; and the best of it is — you hold 
the controlling interest right in hand ! Every 
property-owner near you will become a con- 


THE MINE AT LAST 381 

tributor to your fortune. Allow me to con- 
gratulate you ! ” 

It was a strange piece of news ; and that 
water, just plain water, could mean so much 
was a fact hard to realize. Indeed, for the mo- 
ment, one feeling of anxiety overbore Edith’s 
rejoicing. 

“ I wish I knew what had become of Madam 
Eastman’s little burro ! Do you suppose it 
really did reach the outer world again ? ” 

“ No, my dear. It did not. Put the creature 
from your mind. It did its appointed work. 
It saved your life. You will not, likely, ever 
see it again.” 

She never did. But there was a gentle bay 
horse made ready for her riding, while Eleazer 
was put upon another animal belonging to a 
vacquero, who strode off hastily toward San 
Pedro to report the grand result of the search. 

All the others struck out swiftly for Santa 
Rosa, whither they soon arrived ; and as Edith 
saw the beautiful Senora issue from the wide 
door of the old adobe she called from afar. 

“ I’m all safe, grandmother, and I’ve found 
the mine ! All our dark days are over ! ” 

Then she sprang down and ran up the path 


382 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

through the garden to be clasped close, close in 
the frail trembling arms of tlie lovely old gentle- 
woman ; while the attending party checked 
their horses at the entrance of the court and 
bared their heads before the sacredness of this 
reunion. 


And afterward ! Why, so many things that 
one glimpse of the old adobe, on an autumn 
afternoon just five years later, will answer all 
inquiries most easily. 

It is still the old adobe, but quite restored 
wherever it had fallen into the decay of our first 
acquaintance with it. All whom we knew then 
are gathered at a feast of thanksgiving ; for the 
Senora is a lover of anniversaries and keeps 
each one so punctiliously that her grandchildren 
have a habit of asking each morning : 

u Well, grandmother, heart’s dearest, what 
do we celebrate to-day ? ” 

This is the memorial of Edith’s escape from 
the cave and of another return — even more 
marvelous. For the sea does sometimes give 
up its dead, or there are counted among its 
dead some who still live. It was so with Alar- 


THE MINE AT LAST 


383 


ico Garcelon, sailor and fine gentleman, in one ; 
wlio having suffered shipwreck was for many 
months stranded on a desolate land, but finally 
rescued thence and shipped again homeward, 
rejoicing. Where he arrived just one year to a 
day from that of Edith’s restoration and the 
grand discovery. 

But he is a contented landsman now, finding, 
as he jestingly remarks, abundance of water on 
his own homestead to satisfy even his craving. 
Alarico the second, has grown a well-developed 
and well-balanced man ; and it is a significant 
proof of his present character that as soon as he 
had earned his first money he insisted upon re- 
storing to San Pedro’s proprietor the amount 
that person lost through his workman’s hot 
temper, on an autumn day five years in the 
past. 

But there are others here, and one must hasten, 
lest the soup cool and Ysidra’s now placid face 
resume its ancient look of care: 

At this wide table on the beautiful veranda, 
where the vines are curtains and a choir of birds 
behind them make music for the meal, sits at 
the head the benignant old Dominie from Siss- 
missit. For four years now, ever since he 


384 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

caught that “ California fever ” which drove him 
across the continent to behold his Edith again, 
he has come at the first suspicion of frost in his 
bleaker New England home. 

Of course Aunt Comfort could not allow her 
father to travel alone for such a distance. She 
is quite too devoted a daughter for that ; so she 
sits near, chatting with almost girlish gaiety to 
Madam Eastman, as perennially young and per- 
ennially a grumbler as of old. She has con- 
quered her enemy, and the two old gentlewomen, 
types of the best, are the staunchest of friends ; 
and find the zest of their lives in arguing over 
the best crops to be planted and the best methods 
of dispensing charity in the world. But they 
invariably decide, with a liberality that surprises 
the friends of both, that the Golden Rule is a 
wholly satisfying creed and each must live up 
to it as nearly as she can. 

There are other guests to-night: Judge Saun- 
ders and his family ; to whom all present feel a 
debt of no small importance. It was by his, the 
squire’s, advice, aided by the engineer’s practical 
knowledge, that the utilization of the imprisoned 
water of Pyramid mountain was made so easy 
of accomplishment. He became one of the mon- 


THE MINE AT LAST 


385 


eyed investors in the enterprise, of which Eleazer 
Mason was another. 

For despite his vigorous protests the honest 
fellow was really forced — though, indeed, by 
Edith’s pleading — to accept the thousand dollars 
reward, which he immediately proceeded to in- 
vest in this second venture. 

“ Only this time it isn’t a land boom, you see, 
but a water one, and it floated all right. Then, 
as soon as I got back the sum of my investment, 
I kept it moving. Started a schoolhouse with 
it, and there’s where Edith’s old mate, Letty 
Squibbett, teaches now. She’s givin’ and gainin’ 
at once, which is doubling things up. Giving 
education and gaining health.” 

When the good clergyman and his daughter 
Comfort crossed the continent both Eli and his 
wife Maria refused to be left behind ; and at 
the very last moment before locking the barn- 
door in old Sissmissit, Eli caught sight of Ma’am 
Puss. She had escaped innumerable threats 
upon her life and was even then, as of old, intent 
upon a supper purloined from a milk-pail. 

“ Life wouldn’t seem just the same if I hadn’t 
that thievin’ critter to watch,” reflected the 
hired man, and surreptitiously huddled her into 

25 


386 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

a basket which he hastily labeled : u Lunch ; ” 
and which he took care to keep well closed till 
the whole party was on board the train, en route 
for California. 

Arrived at Santa Rosa, Buff welcomed his 
furry old housemate with a friendly battle, 
and thereafter the somewhat frightened feline 
traveler became immediately at home. As for 
Eli, he did not allow twenty -four hours to 
elapse before he set about renovating the old 
barn and fixing things to suit his own fastidious 
notions. Maria, too, fell into the routine of 
her life and joined Ysidra in the kitchen where 
the pair, oddly enough, considering their un- 
likeness to each other, became the closest of 
friends. 

But old habits cling, and Eli remained a trial 
to his spouse; who at this very memorable 
supper-hour appeared in the doorway of the 
dining-room and beckoned : 

“ Edith!” 

“Yes, Maria.” 

“ I wish you’d call that stupid Eli in from 
the barn. Ma’am Puss has been in the milk 
again, and he hasn’t no better manners than to 
keep a whole table full waitin’. I should think 


THE MINE AT LAST 


387 


that a cat that has traveled from ocean to ocean 
would know better’n to cut up so. She might 
learn from Buff and take shame to herself. 
The idee ! When my waffles are jest sp’ilin’ to 
be et, too. He’ll come for you though he never 
would for me.” 

So Edith crosses the court to summon, as of 
old, the refractory Eli to enjoy a real Yankee 
supper. She has grown a tall, fine creature, 
and her gown is as white and spotlessly dainty 
as the Senora’s own. Her face is radiant with 
happiness and her tones are full of cheerfulness 
as she hurries forward, with the ever-frivolous 
Buff at her heels, trying his mischievous best 
to trip her up — in his own exuberant delight 
in life. 

Eli is found engaged in the characteristic 
task of brushing an imaginary speck of dust 
from a new Alderney’s coat. 

“ Eli — Eli ! come to supper ! ” 

“ Supper ! How can a fellow have an appe- 
tite, scarce as milk is down here, while that 
pesky cat’s stuck her nose in the pail again ? 
I’ll kill that critter before I sleep or •” 

“ Waffles, Eli ! More than those — Eleazer 
Mason, your maternal cousin twice removed, is 


388 A YANKEE GIRL IN OLD CALIFORNIA 

on the alert to catch Maria making faces at you 
behind your back. She’s getting into a face- 
making mood very fast ; for she’s tried herself 
on these waffles to-night. Eli, waffles with 

maple syrup from Yankee land and ” 

“ But she hain’t begun, has she ? I wouldn’t 
admit to him she ever did, even though you did 

tell him of it, and ” 

u Come on, Buff ! Come on, Ma’am Puss of 
Sissmissit township ! Come on, Eli Johnson, 
dearest old crank in California, and shining ex- 
ample of what minister’s folks should be ; come 
on and grace the table of our dear old adobe ! ” 
Still grumbling, though smiling, Eli went. 


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STORIES FOR GIRLS 


Earning Her Way 

Hy cMrs* Clarke Johnson Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

A charming story of an ambitious girl who overcomes in a 
most original manner, many obstacles that stand in the way 
of securing a college course. While many of her experiences 
are of a practical nature and show a brave, self-reliant spirit, 
some of her escapades and adventures are most exciting, yet 
surrounding the whole there is an atmosphere of refinement 
and inspiration that is most helpful and pleasing. 

Her College Days 

*By cMrs* Clarke Johnson Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

This is a most interesting and healthful tale of a girl’s life in a 
New England college. The trustful and unbounded love of 
the heroine for her mother and the mutual and self-sacrificing 
devotion of the mother to the daughter are so beautifully in- 
terwoven with the varied occurrences and exciting incidents of 
college life as to leave a most wholesome impression upon 
the mind and heart of the reader. 

Iwo Wyoming Girls 

*By cMrs * Carrie L. cMarshall Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

Two girls, thrown upon their own resources, are obliged to 
“ prove up ” their homestead claim. This would be no very 
serious matter were it not for the persecution of an unscru- 
pulous neighbor, who wishes to appropriate the property to 
his own use. The girls endure many privations, have a num- 
ber of thrilling adventures, but finally secure their claim and 
are generally well rewarded for their courage and persever* 
ance. 


^be Girl 'Ranchers 

*By cMrs. Carrie L. cMarshall Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

A story of life on a sheep ranch in Montana. The dangers 
and difficulties incident to such a life are vividly pictured, and 
the interest in the story is enhanced by the fact that the ranch 
is managed almost entirely by two young girls. By their 
energy and pluck, coupled with courage, kindness, and un- 
selfishness they succeed in disarming the animosity of the 
neighboring cattle ranchers, and their enterprise eventually 
results successfully. 

cA cMaid at King (Alfred ’ s Court 

'Ey Lucy Foster cMadison Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

This is a strong and well told tale of the 9th century. It is a 
faithful portrayal of the times, and is replete with historical 
information. The trying experiences through which the little 
heroine passes, until she finally becomes one of the great 
Alfred’s family, are most entertainingly set forth. Nothing 
short of a careful study of the history of the period will give 
so clear a knowledge of this little known age as the reading 
of this book. 

A cMaid of the First Century 

'Ey Lucy Foster cMadison Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

A little maid of Palestine goes in search of her father, who 
for political reasons, has been taken as a slave to Rome. She 
is shipwrecked in the Mediterranean, but is rescued by a 
passing vessel bound for Britain. Eventually an opportunity is 
afforded her for going to Rome, where, after many trying and 
exciting experiences, she and her father are united and his 
liberty is restored to him. 


cA Yankee Girl in Old California 

Ey Evelyn Raymond Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

A young girl, reared among most delightful surroundings in 
Vermont, suddenly discovers that, owing to a clause in her 
father’s will, she must make her future home with relatives 
in the lower portion of old California. No more interesting 
experience could come in the life of any bright, observing 
girl than that of an existence in this semi-tropical region, with 
its wealth of Spanish tradition and romance, its glorious cli- 
mate, its grand scenery, and its abundance of flowers and 
foliage. 


My Lady Earefoot 

Ey <~Mrs. Evelyn Raymond Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

A beautifully told story of the trials of a little backwoods girl 
who lives in a secluded place with an eccentric uncle, until his 
death. The privations she undergoes during his life-time, her 
search for other relatives, her rather uncongenial abode with 
them, her return to her early home to acquire her uncle’s 
estate, and thus to enjoy a useful and happy life, form a most 
interesting narrative of a girl whose ruggedness and simplicity 
of character must appeal to the admiration of all readers. 

The Ferry Maid of the Chattahoochee 

Ey c/lnnie cM. Earnes Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

An heroic little Georgia girl, in her father’s extremity, takes 
charge of his ferry, and through many vicissitudes and several 
impending calamities, succeeds in carrying out her purpose of 
supporting her invalid parent and his family. The heroine’s 
cheerfulness and hearty good humor, combined with an un- 
flinching zeal in her determination to accomplish her work, 
make a character which cannot fail to appeal to young people. 


Dorothy ‘Day 

'Ey Julie cM. Ltppmann Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

This is a most interesting story of a bright and spirited young 
girl whose widowed mother re-marries. The impulsive girl 
chafes under the new relationship, being unwilling to share 
with another the bounteous love of her mother which she had 
learned to claim wholly for her own. By the exercise of great 
tact and kindness, the obdurate Dorothy is at last won over, 
and becomes a most estimable girl. 

o Miss Wildfire 

'Ey Julie cM.. Ltppmann Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

The story of a governess’ attempt to win the love and confi- 
dence of her ward, who, owing to a lack of early restraint, is 
inclined to be somewhat of a hoyden. The development of 
the girl’s character and her eventual victory over her turbu- 
lent disposition combine to form a story of unusual merit and 
one which will hold its reader’s eager attention throughout. 

“ A story of girls for girls that teaches a moral without 
labeling or tagging it at the end.” — Western Christian 
Advocate , Cincinnati, O. 

Her Father s Legacy 

'Ey Helen Sherman Griffith Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

Suddenly bereft of father and fortune, a young girl finds her- 
self face to face with the world. Except for a deed to some 
waste land, there is practically no estate whatever. To make 
matters worse, the executor of the estate endeavors to appro- 
priate the deed to the land. The heroine engages in a long 
and heroic struggle for its possession. She succeeds in 
regaining it, and the land itself proves to be most valuable 
because of its location in a rich oil-producing district. 


cAn Odd Little Lass 

*By Jessie E. Wright Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

This is a story of the regeneration of a little street waif. She 
begins life in a lowly court of a large city. Her adventures 
are numerous, and often quite exciting. After a time she 
is transplanted to the country, where alter many thrilling 
experiences she eventually grows into a useful and lovable 
young woman. The story is pleasantly told, and abounds 
in interesting incident. 

“ The story is an intensely interesting one, and abounds in 
pleasing and unique situations .” — Religious Telescope , Dayton, 
Ohio. 


cAn Every-Day Heroine 

'Ey cMary cA. Denison Illustrated by Ida Waugh 

The heroine is not an impossible character but only a pure, 
winsome, earnest girl, who at fourteen years of age is sud- 
denly bereft of fortune and father and becomes the chief sup- 
port of a semi-invalid mother. While there are many touching 
spenes, the story as a whole is bright and cheerful and moves 
forward with a naturalness and ease that carries its read- 
ers along and makes them reluctant to put down the book 
until the end is reached 


STORIES FOR 'BOYS 


The Boer Boy of the Transvaal 

'Ey Kate cMilner 9 ? abb Illustrated by F. A . Carter 

The career of the Boer boy is one series of exciting adven- 
tures. In the gallant service for his country he comes face to 
face with President Kruger, General Cronje, and General Jou- 
bert. Much interesting information pertaining to this country 
and its people is introduced, and the reader will understand as 
never before the cause of the intense hatred of the Boers for 
the British. 

Uncrowning a King 

Ey Edvoard S. Ellis f <A. cM. Illustrated by J. Steeple Davis 

A tale of the Indian war waged by King Philip in 1675. The 
adventures of the young hero during that eventful period, his 
efforts in behalf of the attacked towns, his capture by the 
Indians, and his subsequent release through the efforts of 
King Philip himself, with a vivid account of the tragic death 
of that renowned Indian chieftain, form a most interesting and 
instructive story of the early days of the colonies. 

cAt the Siege of Quebec 

*By James Otis Illustrated by F. cA. Carter 

Two boys living on the Kennebec River join Benedict Ar- 
nold’s expedition as it passes their dwelling en route for the 
Canadian border. They, with their command, are taken pris- 
oners before Quebec. The description of the terrible march 
through the wilderness, the incidents of the siege, and the dis- 
astrous assault, which cost the gallant General Montgomery 
his life, are in the highest degree thrilling, while at the same 
time true in every particular. 


In the Days of Washington 

Ey William cMurray Graydon Illustrated by J. C, Claghorn 

The story opens in Philadelphia just prior to its evacuation by 
the British in 1778. Nathan Stanbury, a bright lad of seven- 
teen, joins the Continental Army which is then suffering the 
hardships of the winter at Valley Forge. A short time later 
the Battle of Monmouth is fought, and in this the young hero 
figures quite prominently, as he does afterward at the Massa- 
cre of Wyoming. 

On Wood Cofoe Island 

'Ey Elbridge S. Erooks Illustrated by Frederic J. Eoston 

A trio of bright New England children are given an island 
on which to spend their summer vacation. Here they es- 
tablish a little colony, the management of which gives them 
a large amount of amusement and at times causes some 
seemingly serious difficulties. In the solution of their per« 
plexing problems the young people receive much encourage- 
ment and counsel from the poet Longfellow, whose delightful 
acquaintance they form in a very unexpected and amusing 
manner. 


Under the 'Tamaracks 

Ey Elbridge S. Erooks Illustrated 

An interesting and healthful story for boys and girls, repre- 
senting a summer’s outing of young people among the 
Thousand Islands. It is timed to include the visit of General 
Grant at Alexandria Bay, and several interesting conversa- 
tions between one of the boys and the hero of the Rebellion 
shed pleasing side lights upon the great General’s character. 

“ General Grant’s talks with the heroes will captivate the 
heart of every boy.” — Teachers' World , New York. 


T he Wreck of the Sea Lion 

*By W. 0 . Stoddard Illustrated by John H. E etts 

Tales of the sea are always fascinating to young people, espe- 
cially when some active, adventuresome boys supply plenty of 
thrilling escapades to add to the interest. The story of an 
eventful cruise in Southern waters, as told by an old sea cap- 
tain, and the ludicrous boastings and experiments of a would- 
be scientist, constitute a pleasing variety of incident, and 
afford just that amount of instructive material needed to make 
a perfect book for young readers. 

The Young Financier 

'Ey W. 0 . Stoddard Illustrated by John H. Detts 

A unique story, the scene of which is laid in the money centre 
of New York City. The young hero begins life as a broker’s 
messenger and passing rapidly from one post to another in 
good time rises to a position of importance and responsibility. 
Numerous exciting experiences incident to the eventual suc- 
cess in his business career all combine to form a most 
interesting narrative. 

True to His Trust 

*By Edward S. Ellis, cA * cM. Illustrated by J. Steeple Davis 

The hero of this story will win his way at once into the heart 
of every one, and his pluck and perseverance will carry the 
sympathy of every reader through his many adventures, strug- 
gles, and singular experiences. Like all of the author’s works, 
the incidents teach in the most convincing manner that true 
manliness and sturdy integrity are the only principles through 
which happiness and success in life are possible. 


Comrades True 

Ey Edward S. Ellis , cA. cM. Illustrated 

In following the career of two friends from youth to manhood, 
the author weaves a narrative of intense interest. This 
story is more realistic than is usual, as the two heroes pass 
through the calamitous forest fires in Northern Minnesota and 
barely escape with their lives. They have other thrilling ad- 
ventures and experiences in which the characteristics of each 
are finely portrayed. 

“ Among juveniles there is not one of greater interest, or 
more wholesome influence than ‘ Comrades True.’ ” — Sentinel , 
Milwaukee, Wis. 

cAmong the Esquimaux 

Ey Edward S. Ellis, cA. 8M. Illustrated 

The scenes of this story are laid in the Arctic region, the cen- 
tral characters being two sturdy boys whose adventurous spirit 
often leads them into dangerous positions. They visit Green- 
land ; go on a hunting expedition, have a number of stirring 
adventures, but ultimately reach home safe and sound. 

“ A capital and instructive book for boys .” — Post , Boston, 
Mass. 

The Campers Out 

Ty Edward S* Ellis, cA* cM. Illustrated 

Many of the scenes are so vividly described that the reader 
can, in his imagination, enjoy the excitement of the chase and 
all the pleasures of a good camping tour. In addition to the 
vivid descriptions of many exciting adventures, this story 
teaches a lesson in morals that cannot fail to prove helpful to 
every reader. 

“ Well planned and well written. Full of adventure of just the 
right sort.” — Mid- Continent > St. Louis, Mo. 


The Young Gold Seekers 

'Ey Edward S. Ellis, cA. cM. Illustrated by F. cA. Carter 

A thrilling account of the experiences of two boys during a 
trip to the gold fields of Alaska. The hardships that they 
endure, the disappointments they suffer, the courage and 
perseverance that they manifest in the face of seemingly 
insurmountable obstacles, and their eventual success in their 
undertaking, are all most graphically portraved. 


c Andys Ward 

*By James Otis Illustrated 

A fascinating narrative of the life and experiences of “Museum 
Marvels.” They dwell in a house owned by a sword-swal- 
lower, whose wife, the “ Original Circassian,” is entrusted with 
its management. The rest of the household includes a dwarf, 
nick-named the “ Major,” a fat lady, a giant, and a snake- 
charmer. The private life of the marvels forms a story full of 
incident, and one that possesses that peculiar simplicity of 
style which has won for this author such a host of readers. 


Chasing a Yacht 

<By James Otis Illustrated 

A semi-nautical tale of adventure about boys, written for boys, 
and will certainly be appreciated by boys wherever they may 
be found. The story of how the heroes, two bright, manly 
fellows, built a steam yacht, how she was stolen from them, 
and how they eventually regained possession of her, is full of 
life and is replete with exciting and interesting incident. 

“ Boys who do not read this volume with real pleasure mu* 
be hard to suit .” — Journal Minneapolis, Minn. 


Ehe E raganza 'Diamond 


'Ey James Otis 


Illustrated 


A volume that will hold its readers spell-bound as they follow 
,the two boy characters and the bright, courageous girl in 
their search for the famous diamond. Much useful information 
is incidentally conveyed and many things with which few 
persons are familiar are explained. 

“ It will rivet the attention of young readers as much as Rob- 
inson Crusoe.” — Call , San Francisco, Cal. 


'The Lost Galleon 


'Ey W. Eert Foster Illustrated by J* Steeple Davis 


The search for a lost treasure ship and her eventual discovery 
form the basis of this very dramatic story. The plot is in- 
tensely interesting, and rivets the attention throughout the 
entire narrative. The story possesses a great deal of origi- 
nality, and is free from the conventional incidents that usually 
characterize stories of this description. Incidentally, much 
valuable information is afforded the reader by the insight that 
is given into the ship-chandlery business, in which the young 
hero engages as the means of earning a livelihood. 


Exiled to Siberia 


Ey William cMurray Graydon Illustrated by F. cA. Carter 
This is one of the most thrilling stories ever written. The 
heroes, two American boys, become involved in a political 
plot that nearly costs them their lives. As nearly all the 
action occurs in the mines and military prisons of frozen 
Siberia it can readily be imagined that in the midst of such 
dramatic surroundings the interest is most intense. The 
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